Circuit for adaptively using plurality of antennas and electronic device including same
The electronic device employs a circuit with multiple conversion circuits and switches to adaptively utilize multiple antennas, forming efficient beams for communication with multiple external devices, addressing the challenges of limited resources and mobility.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/KR2024/015814
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-10
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing wireless communication devices face challenges in efficiently utilizing multiple antennas to form adaptive beams for communication with multiple external devices, especially in scenarios where the device is movable and has limited antenna resources.
The electronic device incorporates a circuit with multiple upconversion and downconversion circuits, each with multiple output/input terminals, and switches that allow for the adaptive connection of these terminals to multiple antennas. This configuration enables the formation of various beams by phase-shifting and combining RF signals across different antennas.
This solution allows the electronic device to efficiently communicate with multiple external devices by forming adaptive beams, enhancing network capacity and supporting advanced communication techniques like CF MIMO, despite the limited number of antennas.
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Figure KR2024015814_12062025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Circuit for adaptive utilization of multiple antennas and electronic device including the same
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a circuit for adaptive utilization of multiple antennas and an electronic device including the same.
[0002] In a wireless environment (e.g., a cellular communication environment), a beam is used to focus a wireless signal (or radio frequency (RF) signal) transmitted to a receiving device in a specific direction. For example, the wireless signal may be focused toward the receiving device. For example, the beam may be formed using a phased array antenna (or phased antenna array). For example, transmitting the wireless signal via the beam may refer to transmitting the wireless signal using a spatial domain transmission filter.
[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.
[0004] An electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a plurality of antennas, including a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna. The electronic device may include a first upconversion circuit, including a first input terminal configured to obtain a first signal on a baseband, a first output terminal configured to output a first radio frequency (RF) signal converted from the first signal and having a first phase, a second output terminal configured to output the first RF signal converted from the first signal and having a second phase, and a third output terminal configured to output the first RF signal converted from the first signal and having a third phase. The first phase, the second phase, and the third phase may be different from each other. The electronic device may include a second upconversion circuit including a second input terminal configured to obtain a second signal on a baseband, a fourth output terminal configured to output a second RF signal having a fourth phase, which is converted from the second signal, a fifth output terminal configured to output the second RF signal having a fifth phase, which is converted from the second signal, and a sixth output terminal configured to output the second RF signal having a sixth phase, which is converted from the second signal. The fourth phase, the fifth phase, and the sixth phase may be different from each other.The electronic device may include one or more switches for the first output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the second output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the third output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fourth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fifth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, and the sixth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas.
[0005] An electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a plurality of antennas, including a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna. The electronic device may include a first down-conversion circuit, including a first input terminal configured to obtain a first RF signal having a first phase, a second input terminal configured to obtain the first RF signal having a second phase, a third input terminal configured to obtain the first RF signal having a third phase, and a first output terminal configured to output a first signal on a baseband converted from the first RF signal having the first phase, the first RF signal having the second phase, and the first RF signal having the third phase. The electronic device may include a second down-conversion circuit including a fourth input terminal configured to obtain a second RF signal having a fourth phase, a fifth input terminal configured to obtain the second RF signal having a fifth phase, a sixth input terminal configured to obtain the second RF signal having a sixth phase, and a second output terminal configured to output a second signal on baseband converted from the second RF signal having the fourth phase, the second RF signal having the fifth phase, and the second RF signal having the sixth phase. The electronic device may include one or more switches for the first input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the second input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the third input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fourth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fifth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, and the sixth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an electronic device that communicates with a first external electronic device using a first beam while communicating with a second external electronic device using a second beam.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary electronic device including upconversion circuits and one or more switches.
[0008] Figure 3 shows an example of an upconversion circuit.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of obtaining first RF signals using a first upconversion circuit.
[0010] Figure 5 illustrates an example of an array of multiple antennas.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary electronic device including one or more switches, including a first switch and a second switch, and up-conversion circuits.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary electronic device including one or more switches and upconversion circuits including a single switch.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary electronic device including downconversion circuits and one or more switches.
[0014] Figure 9 shows an example of a down-conversion circuit.
[0015] Figure 10 illustrates an example of the connection relationship between components included in a downconversion circuit.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary electronic device including upconversion circuits, downconversion circuits, and one or more switches.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an electronic device that communicates with a first transmit / receive point (TRP) using a first beam while communicating with a second TRP using a second beam.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless environment (100) (or cellular communication environment (100)) may include an electronic device (101) and a first external electronic device (111). The wireless environment (100) may further include a second external electronic device (112).
[0020] The electronic device (101) may represent a device that communicates with a first external electronic device (111). For example, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the first external electronic device (111) for communication with other electronic devices. The electronic device (101) may represent a device that communicates with a second external electronic device (112). For example, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the second external electronic device (112) for communication with other electronic devices.
[0021] The electronic device (101) may be a mobile electronic device or a portable electronic device. For example, the electronic device (101) may be movable, unlike the first external electronic device (111) and the second external electronic device (112), which are (primarily) fixed. For example, the electronic device (101) may be capable of changing its position, unlike the first external electronic device (111) and the second external electronic device (112), which (primarily) maintain a position.
[0022] The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a user equipment (UE).
[0023] The first external electronic device (111) may represent a device that communicates with the electronic device (101). For example, the first external electronic device (111) may support communication between the electronic device (101) and another electronic device.
[0024] The first external electronic device (111), unlike the electronic device (101), can be (primarily) fixed. Unlike the electronic device (101), the first external electronic device (111) can have a (primarily) maintained posture. For example, the first external electronic device (111) can be a base station or a transmit / receive point (TRP). For example, the first external electronic device (111) can also be an access point (AP).
[0025] The second external electronic device (112), unlike the electronic device (101), can be (primarily) fixed. Unlike the electronic device (101), the second external electronic device (112) can have a (primarily) maintained posture. For example, the second external electronic device (112) can be a base station or a TRP. For example, the second external electronic device (112) can also be an AP.
[0026] As a non-limiting example, each of the first external electronic device (111) and the second external electronic device (112) may be a TRP included in one base station. As a non-limiting example, the first external electronic device (111) may be a first base station or a TRP (or AP) within the first base station, and the second external electronic device (112) may be a second base station different from the first base station or a TRP (or AP) within the second base station.
[0027] The electronic device (101) can communicate with the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (131), as in state (110). As a non-limiting example, the communication with the first external electronic device (111) can be performed via the first beam (131) on a frequency range 3 (FR3) between frequency range 1 (FR1) and frequency range 2 (FR2) (e.g., a frequency range of about 7 (GHz) (gigahertz) to 20 (GHz) or a frequency range of about 7.125 (GHz) to 24.25 (GHz)).
[0028] For example, the first beam (131) may be used to transmit a signal to the first external electronic device (111). As a non-limiting example, transmitting the signal to the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (131) may indicate transmitting the signal to the first external electronic device (111) using a space domain transmission filter. For example, the first beam (131) may be used to receive a signal from the first external electronic device (111). As a non-limiting example, receiving the signal from the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (131) may indicate receiving the signal from the first external electronic device (111) using a space domain reception filter.
[0029] The electronic device (101) can communicate with a second external electronic device (112) via a second beam (132), as in state (110). As a non-limiting example, the communication with the second external electronic device (112) can be performed via the second beam (132) on FR3 between FR1 and FR2.
[0030] For example, the second beam (132) may be used to transmit a signal to the second external electronic device (112). As a non-limiting example, transmitting the signal to the second external electronic device (112) via the second beam (132) may indicate transmitting the signal to the second external electronic device (112) using a space domain transmit filter. For example, the second beam (132) may be used to receive a signal from the second external electronic device (112). As a non-limiting example, receiving the signal from the second external electronic device (112) via the second beam (132) may indicate receiving the signal from the second external electronic device (112) using a space domain receive filter.
[0031] For example, the electronic device (101) may communicate with a second external electronic device (112) via a second beam (132) while communicating with a first external electronic device (111) via a first beam (131), such as in state (110). As a non-limiting example, communicating with the second external electronic device (112) via the second beam (132) while communicating with the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (131) may be implemented for cell free multiple input multiple output (CF MIMO) (or CF massive-MIMO) that comprises (uniformly) distributed TRPs (or APs). For example, the time resources used to communicate with the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (131) may be (substantially) the same / similar to the time resources used to communicate with the second external electronic device (112) via the second beam (132). For example, the frequency resources used to communicate with the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (131) may be (substantially) the same / similar to the frequency resources used to communicate with the second external electronic device (112) via the second beam (132). For example, each of the first beam (131) and the second beam (132) may be used to enhance (or increase) the network capacity of communications for CF MIMO.
[0032] The electronic device (101) can communicate with the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (141), as in state (160). As a non-limiting example, the communication with the first external electronic device (111) can be performed via the first beam (141) on FR3 between FR1 and FR2.
[0033] For example, the first beam (141) may be used to transmit a signal to the first external electronic device (111). As a non-limiting example, transmitting the signal to the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (141) may indicate transmitting the signal to the first external electronic device (111) using a space domain transmission filter. For example, the first beam (141) may be used to receive a signal from the first external electronic device (111). As a non-limiting example, receiving the signal from the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (141) may indicate receiving the signal from the first external electronic device (111) using a space domain reception filter.
[0034] The electronic device (101) can communicate with the second external electronic device (112) via the second beam (142), as in state (160). As a non-limiting example, the communication with the second external electronic device (112) can be performed via the second beam (142) on FR3 between FR1 and FR2.
[0035] For example, the second beam (142) may be used to transmit a signal to the second external electronic device (112). As a non-limiting example, transmitting the signal to the second external electronic device (112) via the second beam (142) may indicate transmitting the signal to the second external electronic device (112) using a space domain transmit filter. For example, the second beam (142) may be used to receive a signal from the second external electronic device (112). As a non-limiting example, receiving the signal from the second external electronic device (112) via the second beam (142) may indicate receiving the signal from the second external electronic device (112) using a space domain receive filter.
[0036] For example, the electronic device (101) may communicate with a second external electronic device (112) via a second beam (142) while communicating with a first external electronic device (111) via a first beam (141), as in state (160). As a non-limiting example, communicating with a second external electronic device (112) via a second beam (142) while communicating with the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (141) may be implemented for CF MIMO. For example, the time resources used to communicate with the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (141) may be (substantially) the same as the time resources used to communicate with the second external electronic device (112) via the second beam (142). For example, the frequency resources used to communicate with the first external electronic device (111) via the first beam (141) may be (substantially) the same as the frequency resources used to communicate with the second external electronic device (112) via the second beam (142). For example, each of the first beam (141) and the second beam (142) may be used to enhance (or increase) the network capacity of communications for CF MIMO.
[0037] For example, since the electronic device (101) is movable, unlike the first external electronic device (111) and the second external electronic device (112), the relative positional relationship between the electronic device (101) and the first external electronic device (111) and the relative positional relationship between the electronic device (101) and the second external electronic device (112) may change depending on the position of the electronic device (101), such as in state (110) and state (160). For example, since the relative positional relationship between the electronic device (101) and the first external electronic device (111) in state (160) is different from the relative positional relationship between the electronic device (101) and the first external electronic device (111) in state (110), the first beam (141) in state (160) may be at least partially different from the first beam (131) in state (110). For example, one or more antennas of the electronic device (101) used to form the first beam (141) within the state (160) may be at least partially different from one or more antennas of the electronic device (101) used to form the first beam (131) within the state (110). For example, because the relative positional relationship between the electronic device (101) and the second external electronic device (112) within the state (160) is different from the relative positional relationship between the electronic device (101) and the second external electronic device (112) within the state (110), the second beam (142) within the state (160) may be at least partially different from the second beam (141) within the state (110). For example, one or more antennas of the electronic device (101) used to form the second beam (142) within the state (160) may be at least partially different from one or more antennas of the electronic device (101) used to form the second beam (132) within the state (110).
[0038] Meanwhile, as a non-limiting example, since the electronic device (101) is movable, unlike the first external electronic device (111) and the second external electronic device (112), the size of the electronic device (101) may be limited. For example, since the size of the electronic device (101) is limited, the number of multiple antennas that the electronic device (101) may have may be limited.
[0039] As illustrated above, even though the number of the plurality of antennas of the electronic device (101) is limited, the ability to form various beams may be required within the electronic device (101) for communication between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (or each of the external electronic devices) (e.g., a first external electronic device (111) and / or a second external electronic device (112)). The electronic device (101) illustrated below may have the ability to form various beams using at least some of the plurality of antennas of the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101-1) of FIG. 2 , the electronic device (101-2) of FIG. 6 , the electronic device (101-3) of FIG. 7 , and the electronic device (101-4) of FIG. 8 may include components for variously combining the plurality of antennas of the electronic device (101) to form various beams.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary electronic device including upconversion circuits and one or more switches.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) may include a plurality of antennas, including a first antenna (291), a second antenna (292), a third antenna (293), and a fourth antenna (294). The electronic device (101-1) may include a first up-conversion circuit (201). The electronic device (101-1) may include a second up-conversion circuit (202). The electronic device (101-1) may include one or more switches (210).
[0042] At least some of the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) can be used as an array antenna (or array antennas) (or phased array antenna(s)) having a function or feature of electronic steering without physical movement of the antennas. As a non-limiting example, a phase difference between one or more signals radiated from one or more of the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) can cause such electronic steering.
[0043] The types of some of the plurality of antennas, including the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294), may be different from the types of other some of the plurality of antennas, including the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294).
[0044] The first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) are described in more detail within the description of FIG. 6.
[0045] A first up-converting circuit (or up-conversion circuitry or up-converting circuit) (201) may be configured to obtain a first signal (211) on a base band. For example, the first signal (211) may be generated by and provided from a processor (not shown) of the electronic device (101-1) (e.g., an application processor (AP) or a communication processor (CP) including a processing circuit) (e.g., including at least a part of the processor (1220) of FIG. 12). For example, the first signal (211) may include information (e.g., control information and / or user data) to be provided to an external electronic device (or external electronic devices) (e.g., the first external electronic device (111) and / or the second external electronic device (112)).
[0046] The first up-conversion circuit (201) may be configured to output one or more first RF (radio frequency) signals converted (or up-converted) from the first signal (211). For example, the first up-conversion circuit (201) may be configured to output a first RF signal (221-1) having a first phase, converted from the first signal (211), a first RF signal (221-2) having a second phase different from the first phase, converted from the first signal (211), and / or a first RF signal (221-3) having a third phase different from the first phase and / or the second phase, converted from the first signal (211). For example, the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), and / or the first RF signal (221-3) output from the first up-conversion circuit (201) may be provided to some of the plurality of antennas for transmission (or transmissions) to the external electronic device (or external electronic devices). For example, the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), and / or the first RF signal (221-3) output from the first up-conversion circuit (201) may include information (substantially) corresponding to the information included in the first signal (211).
[0047] The first up-conversion circuit (201) may include a first input terminal (231) (or input electrode (231)) (or input end (231)) configured to obtain a first signal (211), a first output terminal (241) (or output electrode (241)) (or output end (241)) configured to output a first RF signal (221-1), a second output terminal (242) configured to output a first RF signal (221-2), and a third output terminal (243) configured to output a first RF signal (221-3).
[0048] The second upconversion circuit (202) may be configured to obtain a second signal (212) on a baseband. For example, the second signal (212) may be generated by the processor of the electronic device (101-1) and provided from the processor. For example, the second signal (212) may include information (e.g., control information and / or user data) to be provided to an external electronic device (or external electronic devices) (e.g., the first external electronic device (111) and / or the second external electronic device (112)). As a non-limiting example, the second signal (212) may be substantially identical to the first signal (211) depending on the state of transmission to the external electronic device.
[0049] The second up-conversion circuit (202) may be configured to output one or more second RF signals converted (or up-converted) from the second signal (212). For example, the second up-conversion circuit (202) may be configured to output a second RF signal (222-1) having a fourth phase, converted from the second signal (212), a second RF signal (222-2) having a fifth phase, converted from the second signal (212), which is different from the fourth phase, and / or a second RF signal (222-3) having a sixth phase, converted from the second signal (212), which is different from the fourth phase and / or the fifth phase. For example, the fourth phase may be the same as or different from the first phase, depending on the state of transmission. For example, the second RF signal (222-1), the second RF signal (222-2), and / or the second RF signal (222-3) output from the second up-conversion circuit (202) may be provided to another portion of the plurality of antennas for transmission (or transmissions) to the external electronic device (or external electronic devices). For example, the second RF signal (222-1), the second RF signal (222-2), and / or the second RF signal (222-3) output from the second up-conversion circuit (202) may include information (substantially) corresponding to the information included in the second signal (212).
[0050] The second upconversion circuit (202) may include a second input terminal (232) configured to obtain a second signal (212), a fourth output terminal (244) configured to output a second RF signal (222-1), a fifth output terminal (245) configured to output a second RF signal (222-2), and a sixth output terminal (246) configured to output a second RF signal (222-3).
[0051] As a non-limiting example, the first up-conversion circuit (201) and the second up-conversion circuit (202) can be implemented as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0052] Figure 3 shows an example of an upconversion circuit.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, the first up-conversion circuit (201) may include a first up-converter (321), a first phase converter (331), and a second phase converter (332). The second up-conversion circuit (202) may include a second up-converter (322), a third phase converter (333), and a fourth phase converter (334). Each of the first up-converter (321) and the second up-converter (322) may be further available for signal distribution. The first up-converter (321) and the second up-converter (322) may be referred to as a first distributor (321) and a second distributor (322), respectively.
[0054] For example, the first up-converter (321) (or the second up-converter (322)) can be used to up-convert the first signal (211) (or the second signal (212)). For example, the first up-converter (321) (or the second up-converter (322)) can be configured to generate or obtain a first RF signal (e.g., the first RF signal (221-1)) (or a second RF signal (e.g., the second RF signal (222-1)) by increasing the frequency of the first signal (211) (or the second signal (212)) using a local oscillator (LO) associated with the first up-converter (321) (or the second up-converter (322)). For example, the first RF signal (or the second RF signal) can be output from the first up-converter (321) (or the second up-converter (322)).
[0055] For example, the first up converter (321) (or the second up converter (322)) may include a seventh output terminal (307) (or a tenth output terminal (310)), an eighth output terminal (308) (or an eleventh output terminal (311)), and a ninth output terminal (309) (or a twelfth output terminal (312)) connected to the first input terminal (231) (or the second input terminal (232)), the first output terminal (241) (or the fourth output terminal (244)). For example, the first RF signal (e.g., the first RF signal (221-1)) (or the second RF signal (e.g., the second RF signal (222-1)) can be output from at least a portion of the seventh output terminal (307), the eighth output terminal (308), and the ninth output terminal (309) (or at least a portion of the tenth output terminal (310), the eleventh output terminal (311), and the twelfth output terminal (312)).
[0056] For example, the first RF signal (221-1) (or the second RF signal (222-1)) output from the seventh output terminal (307) (or the tenth output terminal (310)) can be output through the first output terminal (241) (or the fourth output terminal (244)).
[0057] As a non-limiting example, unlike the illustration in FIG. 3, the first up-conversion circuit (201) (or the second up-conversion circuit (202)) may further include a phase shifter on (or within) the path from the seventh output terminal (307) (or the tenth output terminal (310)) to the first output terminal (241) (or the fourth output terminal (244)). For example, the phase shifter may obtain the first RF signal (or the second RF signal) output from the seventh output terminal (307) (or the tenth output terminal (310)), shift the phase of the obtained first RF signal (or the second RF signal) to obtain the first RF signal (221-1) (or the second RF signal (222-1)), and output the first RF signal (221-1) (or the second RF signal (222-1)) through the first output terminal (241) (or the fourth output terminal (244)).
[0058] For example, the first phase converter (331) (or the third phase converter (333)) may be connected to the eighth output terminal (308) (or the eleventh output terminal (311)) and may be connected to the second output terminal (242) (or the fifth output terminal (245)). Within the present disclosure, component A connected to component B may refer to component A directly connected to component B and / or component A connected to component B via component C. For example, the first phase converter (331) (or the third phase converter (333)) may be connected to the eighth output terminal (308) (or the eleventh output terminal (311)) via another component, unlike the illustration in FIG. 3. For example, the first phase converter (331) (or the third phase converter (333)) may be connected to the second output terminal (242) (or the fifth output terminal (245)) through another component, unlike the illustration in FIG. 3.
[0059] For example, the first phase converter (331) (or the third phase converter (333)) obtains the first RF signal (e.g., the first RF signal (221-1)) (or the second RF signal (e.g., the second RF signal (222-1)) output from the eighth output terminal (308) (or the eleventh output terminal (311)), and shifts the phase (e.g., the first phase (or the fourth phase)) of the first RF signal (e.g., the first RF signal (221-1)) (or the second RF signal (222-1)) obtained from the eighth output terminal (308) (or the eleventh output terminal (311)) to obtain the first RF signal (221-2) (or the second RF signal (222-2)), and outputs the first RF signal (221-2) (or the second RF signal (222-2)) through the second output terminal (242) (or the fifth output terminal (245)). A signal (221-2) (or a second RF signal (222-2)) can be output.
[0060] For example, the second phase converter (332) (or the fourth phase converter (334)) may be connected to the ninth output terminal (309) (or the twelfth output terminal (312)) and may be connected to the third output terminal (243) (or the sixth output terminal (246)).
[0061] For example, the second phase converter (332) (or the fourth phase converter (334)) obtains the first RF signal (e.g., the first RF signal (221-1)) (or the second RF signal (e.g., the second RF signal (222-1)) output from the ninth output terminal (309) (or the twelfth output terminal (312)), shifts the phase (e.g., the first phase (or the fourth phase)) of the first RF signal (e.g., the first RF signal (221-1)) (or the second RF signal (222-1)) obtained from the ninth output terminal (309) (or the twelfth output terminal (312)), thereby obtaining the first RF signal (221-3) (or the second RF signal (222-3)), and outputs the first RF signal (221-3) (or the second RF signal (222-3)) through the third output terminal (243) (or the sixth output terminal (246)). A signal (221-3) (or a second RF signal (222-3)) can be output.
[0062] Converting the first signal (211) into the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), and the first RF signal (221-3) using the first up-conversion circuit (201) (or converting the second signal (212) into the second RF signal (222-1), the second RF signal (222-2), and the second RF signal (222-3) using the second up-conversion circuit (202)) is exemplified in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4.
[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of obtaining first RF signals using a first upconversion circuit.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, the first input terminal (231) of the first up-conversion circuit (201) can obtain a first signal component (211-1) and a second signal component (211-2). For example, the first signal component (211-1) represents an in-phase component (or signal) for the first signal (211), and the second signal component (211-2) represents a quadrature component (or signal) for the first signal (211).
[0065] For example, a first signal component (211-1) passing through a path (411) can be up-converted through a LO (401). For example, a second signal component (211-2) passing through a path (412) can be up-converted through a LO (402). Although not shown in FIG. 4, as a non-limiting example, the first up-conversion circuit (201) may further include an amplifier (e.g., a programmable amplifier (PA)) configured to adjust a gain of the first signal component (211-1) before being up-converted through the LO (401) and an amplifier configured to adjust a gain of the second signal component (211-2) before being up-converted through the LO (402).
[0066] For example, a first RF signal (221-1) obtained by adding a first signal component (211-1) up-converted through LO (401) and a second signal component (211-2) up-converted through LO (402) can be output from a first output terminal (241). The first RF signal (221-1) can be expressed as in Mathematical Expression 1 below.
[0067]
[0068]
[0069] For example, a part of the first signal component (211-1) passing through the path (413) may have the second phase shifted from the first phase through the PA (programmable amplifier) (421). For example, a part of the second signal component (211-2) passing through the path (414) may have the second phase shifted from the first phase through the PA (422). For example, a signal (491) obtained by adding the part of the first signal component (211-1) having the second phase to the part of the second signal component (211-2) having the second phase may be up-converted through the LO (401). As a non-limiting example, the PA (421) may be further used to adjust the gain of the part of the first signal component (211-1), and the PA (422) may be further used to adjust the gain of the part of the second signal component (211-2).
[0070] For example, another part (or remaining part) of the first signal component (211-1) passing through the path (415) may have the second phase shifted from the first phase via the PA (424). For example, another part (or remaining part) of the second signal component (211-2) passing through the path (416) may have the second phase shifted from the first phase via the PA (423). For example, a signal (492) obtained by adding the other part of the first signal component (211-1) having the second phase to the other part of the second signal component (211-2) having the second phase may be up-converted via the LO (402). As a non-limiting example, the PA (424) may be further used to adjust the gain of another portion of the first signal component (211-1), and the PA (423) may be further used to adjust the gain of another portion of the second signal component (211-2).
[0071] For example, a first RF signal (221-2) obtained by adding a signal (491) up-converted through LO (401) and a signal (492) up-converted through LO (402) can be output from a second output terminal (242). The first RF signal (221-2) can be expressed as in Mathematical Expression 2 below.
[0072]
[0073]
[0074] In mathematical expression 2, As can be seen through , the first RF signal (221-2) can have the second phase, unlike the first RF signal (221-1).
[0075] For example, a portion of the first signal component (211-1) passing through the path (417) may have the third phase shifted from the first phase via the PA (425). For example, a portion of the second signal component (211-2) passing through the path (418) may have the third phase shifted from the first phase via the PA (426). For example, a signal (493) obtained by adding the portion of the first signal component (211-1) having the third phase to the portion of the second signal component (211-2) having the third phase may be up-converted via the LO (401). As a non-limiting example, the PA (425) may be further used to adjust the gain of the portion of the first signal component (211-1), and the PA (426) may be further used to adjust the gain of the portion of the second signal component (211-2).
[0076] For example, another part (or remaining part) of the first signal component (211-1) passing through the path (419) may have the third phase shifted from the first phase via the PA (428). For example, another part (or remaining part) of the second signal component (211-2) passing through the path (420) may have the third phase shifted from the first phase via the PA (427). For example, a signal (494) obtained by adding the other part of the first signal component (211-1) having the third phase to the other part of the second signal component (211-2) having the third phase may be up-converted via the LO (402). As a non-limiting example, the PA (428) may be further used to adjust the gain of another portion of the first signal component (211-1), and the PA (427) may be further used to adjust the gain of another portion of the second signal component (211-2).
[0077] For example, a first RF signal (221-3) obtained by adding a signal (493) up-converted through LO (401) and a signal (494) up-converted through LO (402) can be output from a third output terminal (243). The first RF signal (221-3) can be expressed as in Mathematical Expression 3 below.
[0078]
[0079]
[0080] In mathematical expression 3, As can be seen through , the first RF signal (221-3) can have the third phase, unlike the first RF signal (221-1) and the first RF signal (221-2).
[0081] As a non-limiting example, since the plurality of antennas (e.g., including the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294)) are spaced apart from each other, the distance of the path from each of the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) to the first antenna (291), the distance of the path from each of the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) to the second antenna (292), And the distance of the path from each of the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) to the third antenna (293) may be different from each other, and the distance of the path from each of the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) to the fourth antenna (294) may be different from each other. For example, although not shown in FIG. 4, the first up-conversion circuit (201) may further include one or more PAs to compensate for this difference in distance. For example, the one or more PAs may be located on at least a portion of the paths associated with the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), and the first RF signal (221-3).
[0082] As a non-limiting example, since the plurality of antennas (e.g., including the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294)) are spaced apart from each other, unintended side lobes may occur when forming a beam using at least some of the plurality of antennas. For example, although not shown in FIG. 4, the first up-conversion circuit (201) may further include one or more PAs for compensating for the unintended side lobes. For example, the one or more PAs may be positioned on at least some of the paths associated with the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), and the first RF signal (221-3).
[0083] Although Fig. 4 illustrates an example of performing up-conversion of the first signal (211) after changing the phase of the first signal (211), this is merely exemplary. For example, the first up-conversion circuit (201) (or the second up-conversion circuit (202)) may include components for changing the phase of the first RF signal (e.g., the first RF signal (221-1)) after obtaining the first RF signal (211) by up-converting the first signal (211).
[0084] Referring again to FIG. 2, one or more switches (210) may be used to enable a first output terminal (241) of a first up-conversion circuit (201) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas (e.g., including a first antenna (291), a second antenna (292), a third antenna (293), and a fourth antenna (294)), a second output terminal (242) of the first up-conversion circuit (201) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a third output terminal (243) of the first up-conversion circuit (201) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a fourth output terminal (244) of the second up-conversion circuit (202) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a fifth output terminal (245) of the second up-conversion circuit (202) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, and a sixth output terminal (246) of the second up-conversion circuit (202) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas. For example, one or more switches (210) may be included within the electronic device (101-1) to variously combine the plurality of antennas of the electronic device (101-1) to form various beams.
[0085] For example, one or more switches (210) may be configured to connect any four of the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) to the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294), respectively.
[0086] For example, an antenna connected to the first output terminal (241) through one or more switches (210) among the plurality of antennas can be disconnected from the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) through one or more switches (210). For example, an antenna connected to the second output terminal (242) through one or more switches (210) among the plurality of antennas can be disconnected from the first output terminal (241), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) through one or more switches (210). For example, an antenna connected to the third output terminal (243) through one or more switches (210) among the plurality of antennas can be disconnected from the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) through one or more switches (210). For example, an antenna connected to the fourth output terminal (244) through one or more switches (210) among the plurality of antennas can be disconnected from the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) through one or more switches (210). For example, an antenna connected to the fifth output terminal (245) through one or more switches (210) among the plurality of antennas can be disconnected from the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), and the sixth output terminal (246) through one or more switches (210).For example, an antenna connected to the sixth output terminal (246) through one or more switches (210) among the plurality of antennas can be disconnected from the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), and the fifth output terminal (245) through one or more switches (210).
[0087] For example, although not shown in FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) may further include memory. For example, the memory may include at least a portion of the memory (730) (or non-volatile memory (734)) of FIG. 7. For example, the memory may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC). For example, a portion of the memory may be included in a first component of the electronic device (101-1), and another portion of the memory may be included in a second component of the electronic device (101-1) that is different from the first component. For example, the memory may include a cache memory, a register, a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), and / or a hard disk drive (HDD). As a non-limiting example, the memory may represent a memory device included within the processor, the first up-conversion circuit (201), the second up-conversion circuit (202), and / or one or more switches (210) of the electronic device (101-1), as well as a memory device located outside the processor, the first up-conversion circuit (201), the second up-conversion circuit (202), and one or more switches (210) of the electronic device (101-1), for execution of the operations exemplified within the present disclosure.
[0088] For example, the memory may store instructions. The instructions may be executed by the processor (e.g., an application processor (AP) and / or a communication processor (CP)).For example, the instructions, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor, disconnect the plurality of antennas from all of the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246), and form a first transmission path between one of the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) and one of the plurality of antennas, and while the first transmission path is formed, further form a second transmission path between another one of the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) and another one of the plurality of antennas. and, while the first transmission path and the second transmission path are being formed, further forming a third transmission path between another one of the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) and another one of the plurality of antennas, and while the first transmission path, the second transmission path, and the third transmission path are being formed, further forming a fourth transmission path between still another one of the first output terminal (241), the second output terminal (242), the third output terminal (243), the fourth output terminal (244), the fifth output terminal (245), and the sixth output terminal (246) and another one of the plurality of antennas.
[0089] For example, one or more switches (210) may be configured to form a path for providing one of the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), the first RF signal (221-3), the second RF signal (222-1), the second RF signal (222-2), and the second RF signal (222-3) to one of the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294). For example, one or more switches (210) may be configured to form two paths for providing two RF signals among the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), the first RF signal (221-3), the second RF signal (222-1), the second RF signal (222-2), and the second RF signal (222-3) to two antennas among the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294), respectively. For example, one or more switches (210) may be configured to form three paths for providing three RF signals among the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), the first RF signal (221-3), the second RF signal (222-1), the second RF signal (222-2), and the second RF signal (222-3) to three antennas among the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294), respectively. For example, one or more switches (210) may be configured to form four paths for providing four RF signals among the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), the first RF signal (221-3), the second RF signal (222-1), the second RF signal (222-2), and the second RF signal (222-3) to the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294), respectively.
[0090] For example, one or more switches (210) may be used to form a first beam (e.g., a first beam (131) or a first beam (141)) used for communication with a first external electronic device (111), as in the example of FIG. 1, and a second beam (e.g., a second beam (132) or a second beam (142)) used for communication with a second external electronic device (112) that is executed while the communication with the first external electronic device (111) is executed via the first beam.
[0091] For example, while communicating with the first external electronic device (111) through the first beam formed by providing one of the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), and the first RF signal (221-3) to one of the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) through one or more switches (210), the second beam provides all of the second RF signal (222-1), the second RF signal (222-2), and the second RF signal (222-3) to the remaining antennas (e.g., the remaining antennas, when one of the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), and the first RF signal (221-3) is provided to the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) Depending on what is provided to the antenna (294), it can be formed.
[0092] For example, while communicating with the first external electronic device (111) through the first beam formed by providing two RF signals among the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), and the first RF signal (221-3) to two antennas among the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) through one or more switches (210), the second beam provides two RF signals among the second RF signal (222-1), the second RF signal (222-2), and the second RF signal (222-3) to the remaining antennas (e.g., the remaining antennas provide the two RF signals among the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), and the first RF signal (221-3) to the first antenna (291) and the third antenna (292). When provided to the antenna (293), it can be formed according to what is provided to the second antenna (292) and the fourth antenna (294).
[0093] For example, while communicating with the first external electronic device (111) through the first beam formed by providing three RF signals among the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), and the first RF signal (221-3) to three antennas among the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) through one or more switches (210), the second beam provides one of the second RF signal (222-1), the second RF signal (222-2), and the second RF signal (222-3) to the remaining antennas (e.g., the remaining antennas provide the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), and the first RF signal (221-3) to the first antenna (291), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294). When provided, it can be formed according to what is provided to the second antenna (292).
[0094] For example, the properties of some of the plurality of antennas may be different from the properties of other portions of the plurality of antennas in order to form the first beam and / or the second beam in various ways. For example, the type of some of the plurality of antennas may be different from the type of other portions of the plurality of antennas. For example, the plurality of antennas may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of antennas may be heterogeneous. The plurality of antennas consisting of various different types are exemplified in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5.
[0095] Figure 5 illustrates an example of an array of multiple antennas.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 5, the first antenna (291) and the second antenna (292) within the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may be patch antennas positioned within a housing that forms (or defines) the exterior of the electronic device (101). Although FIG. 5 illustrates the first antenna (291) and the second antenna (292) immediately adjacent to the first antenna (291), this is merely exemplary.
[0097] According to one embodiment, the third antenna (293) within the electronic device (101) may have a different type that is distinct from the type of the first antenna (291) and the type of the second antenna (292). For example, the third antenna (293) may be an inverted-F antenna (IFA) implemented as a pattern printed within a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), unlike the first antenna (291) and the second antenna (292), which are patch antennas.
[0098] The fourth antenna (294) within the electronic device (101) may have a different type that is distinct from the type of the first antenna (291), the type of the second antenna (292), and the type of the third antenna (293). For example, the fourth antenna (294) may be implemented as a part of a conductive portion of the housing that surrounds the display of the electronic device (101-1) forming at least a portion of the front side of the housing. For example, the fourth antenna (294) may be a dipole antenna.
[0099] Referring again to FIG. 2, the memory of the electronic device (101-1) may store reference data defining a relationship between combinations of at least some of the first RF signal (221-1), the first RF signal (221-2), the first RF signal (221-3), the second RF signal (222-1), the second RF signal (222-2), and the second RF signal (222-3) and combinations of at least some of the plurality of antennas. The reference data may be expressed as a codebook. A portion of the codebook may be expressed as shown in Table 1 below.
[0100] Path1StreamBeam IDPhaseCodeVGAIndexSelectedANT1000110012001… … … … M-10112MXXXM+1XXXM+2XXX… XXX2M-1XXX
[0101] In Table 1, “stream” represents one or more signals (e.g., first RF signal (221-1), first RF signal (221-2), and / or first RF signal (221-3)) generated from a first signal (211), “Beam ID” represents an identifier representing a beam formed using one or more switches (210) and a first up-conversion circuit (201), “Path 1” represents a path formed using one or more switches (210), “VGA index” represents a transmission gain of the one or more signals, and “Selected ANT” represents an antenna used to form a beam.
[0102] For example, since one or more switches (210) can variously combine some of the output terminals from the first up-conversion circuit (201) and the second up-conversion circuit (202) with some of the plurality of antennas, the “Beam ID” in the codebook can be associated with information about the phase of one or more RF signals generated using at least a portion of the first up-conversion circuit (201) and the second up-conversion circuit (202) (e.g., “Phase code”) as well as information about the antenna (e.g., “Selected ANT”) to form one or more paths from at least a portion of the output terminals for a beam to be formed by the electronic device (101-1) using the one or more switches (210). For example, the “Beam ID” in the codebook can further be associated with information about the transmit power (or the gain of the PA) (e.g., “VGA index”) for the beam to be formed by the electronic device (101-1).
[0103] The electronic device (101-1) may communicate with the second external electronic device (112) using the second beam while communicating with the first external electronic device (111) using the first beam, as exemplified above. For example, since one or more antennas (and / or one or more paths) used for the first beam cannot be used for the second beam, the memory of the electronic device (101-1) may store pairing data indicating a relationship between one beam and another beam to be paired. The pairing data may be expressed as shown in Table 2 below.
[0104]
[0105] In Table 2, “stream1 Beam ID” represents an identifier of the first beam, “Pairable Stream2 Beam ID” represents identifiers of one or more candidate beams that can be used as the second beam to be paired with the first beam, “stream2 Beam ID” represents an identifier of the second beam, and “Pairable Stream1 Beam ID” represents identifiers of one or more candidate beams that can be used as the first beam to be paired with the second beam.
[0106] As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (101-1) may further include down-conversion circuits. For example, the down-conversion circuits may be arranged in relation to one or more switches (210).
[0107] For example, the electronic device (101-1) may include a first down-conversion circuit. The first down-conversion circuit will be exemplified within the description of FIG. 8. The first down-conversion circuit may include a third input terminal configured to obtain a third RF signal having a seventh phase, a fourth input terminal configured to obtain the third RF signal having an eighth phase, a fifth input terminal configured to obtain the third RF signal having a ninth phase, and a seventh output terminal configured to output a third signal on a baseband converted from the third RF signal having the seventh phase, the third RF signal having the eighth phase, and the third RF signal having the ninth phase.
[0108] For example, the electronic device (101-1) may include a second down-conversion circuit. The second down-conversion circuit may include a sixth input terminal configured to obtain a fourth RF signal having a tenth phase, a seventh input terminal configured to obtain the fourth RF signal having an eleventh phase, an eighth input terminal configured to obtain the fourth RF signal having a twelfth phase, and an eighth output terminal configured to output a fourth signal on a baseband converted from the fourth RF signal having the tenth phase, the fourth RF signal having the eleventh phase, and the fourth RF signal having the twelfth phase.
[0109] For example, when the electronic device (101-1) includes the first down-conversion circuit and the second down-conversion circuit, one or more switches (210) may be further available for the third input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas (e.g., further including the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294), the fourth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fifth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the sixth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the seventh input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, and the eighth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas.
[0110] The one or more switches (210) may be implemented in various ways. For example, the one or more switches (210) may be implemented as multiple switches. For example, the one or more switches (210) may be implemented as a single switch. An electronic device including one or more switches (210) implemented as multiple switches is exemplified in the description of FIG. 6, and an electronic device including one or more switches (210) implemented as a single switch is exemplified in more detail below with reference to FIG. 7.
[0111] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary electronic device including one or more switches, including a first switch and a second switch, and up-conversion circuits.
[0112] Referring to FIG. 6, the electronic device (101-2) may include a first switch (601) and a second switch (602), which correspond to one or more switches (210) of the electronic device (101-1).
[0113] According to one embodiment, the first switch (601) may include a first terminal (601-1) connected to a third output terminal (243), a second terminal (601-2) connected to a sixth output terminal (246), and a third terminal (601-3). For example, the first switch (601) may be usable to connect the third terminal (601-3) of the first switch (601) to one of the first terminal (601-1) of the first switch (601) and the second terminal (601-2) of the first switch (601).
[0114] According to one embodiment, the second switch (602) may include a first terminal (602-1) connectable to the first output terminal (241), a second terminal (602-2) connectable to the second output terminal (242), a third terminal (602-3) connectable to the fourth output terminal (244), a fourth terminal (602-4) connectable to the fifth output terminal (245), and a fifth terminal (602-5) connectable to the third terminal (601-3) of the first switch (601), a sixth terminal (602-6) connectable to the first antenna (291), a seventh terminal (602-7) connectable to the second antenna (292), an eighth terminal (602-8) connectable to the third antenna (293), and / or a ninth terminal (602-9) connectable to the fourth antenna (294).For example, the second switch (602) is available to connect one of the sixth terminal (602-6) of the second switch (602), the seventh terminal (602-7) of the second switch (602), the eighth terminal (602-8) of the second switch (602), and the ninth terminal (602-9) of the second switch (602) to the first terminal (602-1) of the second switch (602), and is available to connect one of the sixth terminal (602-6) of the second switch (602), the seventh terminal (602-7) of the second switch (602), the eighth terminal (602-8) of the second switch (602), and the ninth terminal (602-9) of the second switch (602) to the second terminal (602-2) of the second switch (602), and is available to connect one of the third terminal (602-1) of the second switch (602) to the second terminal (602-2) of the second switch (602). It is available to connect one of the sixth terminal (602-6) of the second switch (602), the seventh terminal (602-7) of the second switch (602), the eighth terminal (602-8) of the second switch (602), and the ninth terminal (602-9) of the second switch (602) to the terminal (602-3), and it is available to connect one of the sixth terminal (602-6) of the second switch (602), the seventh terminal (602-7) of the second switch (602), the eighth terminal (602-8) of the second switch (602), and the ninth terminal (602-9) of the second switch (602) to the fourth terminal (602-4) of the second switch (602), and it is available to connect one of the sixth terminal (602-6) of the second switch (602), the seventh terminal (602-7) of the second switch (602), the eighth terminal (602-8) of the second switch (602), and the ninth terminal (602-9) of the second switch (602) to the fifth terminal (602-5) of the second switch (602). It may be available to connect one of the seventh terminal (602-7) of the switch (602), the eighth terminal (602-8) of the second switch (602), and the ninth terminal (602-9) of the second switch (602).
[0115] For example, the electronic device (101-2) may include a processor (620) (e.g., including a processing circuit) corresponding to the processor exemplified above and a memory (630) corresponding to the memory exemplified above.
[0116] For example, the memory (630) transmits information in the first RF signal (221-1) to the first external electronic device (111) through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal (221-1) to the first antenna (291), while providing the second RF signal (222-1) to the second antenna (292), providing the second RF signal (222-2) to the third antenna (293), and providing the second RF signal (222-3) to the fourth antenna (294), to the second external electronic device (112), by connecting the sixth terminal (602-6) of the second switch (602) to the first terminal (602-1) of the second switch (602), and connecting the seventh terminal (602-7) of the second switch (602) to the third terminal (602-3) of the second switch (602). Instructions for controlling the first switch (601) and the second switch (602) may be stored to connect the eighth terminal (602-8) of the second switch (602) to the fourth terminal (602-4) of the second switch (602), and to connect the ninth terminal (602-9) of the second switch (602) to the fifth terminal (602-5) of the second switch (602), which is connected to the third terminal (601-3) of the first switch (601), which is connected to the second terminal (601-2) of the first switch (601). For example, the instructions may be executed by the processor (620). The processor (620) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor," as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor, one or more of which may be configured to individually and / or collectively perform the various functions described herein in a distributed manner.Herein, when "a processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform a number of functions, these terms, by way of example only and without limitation, cover situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions, another processor performs other parts of the recited functions, and also situations where a single processor performs all of the recited functions. Furthermore, the at least one processor may comprise a combination of processors that perform various of the recited / disclosed functions, such as in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to perform or achieve various functions.
[0117] For example, the memory (630) transmits the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device (111) through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal (221-1) to the first antenna (291) and the first RF signal (221-2) to the second antenna (292), while transmitting the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device (112) through a beam formed by providing the second RF signal (222-1) to the third antenna (293) and the second RF signal (222-2) to the fourth antenna (294), by connecting the sixth terminal (602-6) of the second switch (602) to the first terminal (602-1) of the second switch (602), and connecting the seventh terminal (602-7) of the second switch (602) to the second terminal (602-2) of the second switch (602). Further instructions for controlling the second switch (602) may be stored to connect the eighth terminal (602-8) of the second switch (602) to the third terminal (602-3) of the second switch (602) and to connect the ninth terminal (602-9) of the second switch (602) to the fourth terminal (602-4) of the second switch (602). For example, the instructions may be executed by the processor (620).
[0118] For example, the memory (630) transmits the information in the first RF signal (221-1) to the first external electronic device (111) through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal (221-2) to the second antenna (292) and the first RF signal (221-3) to the third antenna (293), while transmitting the information in the second RF signal (222-1) to the second external electronic device (112) through a beam formed by providing the second RF signal (222-1) to the fourth antenna (294), by connecting the sixth terminal (602-6) of the second switch (602) to the first terminal (602-1) of the second switch (602), and the seventh terminal (602-2) of the second switch (602) to the second terminal (602-2) of the second switch (602). Further instructions for controlling the first switch (601) and the second switch (602) may be stored to connect the terminal (602-7), connect the eighth terminal (602-8) of the second switch (602) to the fifth terminal (602-5) of the second switch (602) to the third terminal (601-3) of the first switch (601) to the first terminal (601-1) of the first switch (601), and connect the ninth terminal (602-9) of the second switch (602) to the third terminal (602-3) of the second switch (602). For example, the instructions may be executed by the processor (620).
[0119] For example, the memory (630) transmits the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device (111) through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal (221-1) converted from the first signal (211) identical to the second signal (212) to the first antenna (291), providing the first RF signal (221-2) converted from the first signal (211) identical to the second signal (212) to the second antenna (292), providing the second RF signal (222-1) converted from the second signal (212) identical to the first signal (211) to the third antenna (293), and providing the second RF signal (222-2) converted from the second signal (212) identical to the first signal (211) to the fourth antenna (294), to the first terminal (602-1) of the second switch (602). Further instructions may be stored to control the second switch (602) to connect the terminal (602-6), connect the seventh terminal (602-7) of the second switch (602) to the second terminal (602-3) of the second switch (602), connect the eighth terminal (602-8) of the second switch (602) to the third terminal (602-3) of the second switch (602), and connect the ninth terminal (602-9) of the second switch (602) to the fourth terminal (602-4) of the second switch (602). For example, the instructions may be executed by the processor (620).
[0120] For example, the memory (630) transmits the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device (112) through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal (221-1) converted from the first signal (211) identical to the second signal (212) to the first antenna (291), providing the first RF signal (221-2) converted from the first signal (211) identical to the second signal (212) to the second antenna (292), providing the second RF signal (222-1) converted from the second signal (212) identical to the first signal (211) to the third antenna (293), and providing the second RF signal (222-2) converted from the second signal (212) identical to the first signal (211) to the fourth antenna (294), to the first terminal (602-1) of the second switch (602). Further instructions for controlling the second switch (602) may be stored to connect the terminal (602-6), connect the seventh terminal (602-7) of the second switch (602) to the second terminal (602-2) of the second switch (602), connect the eighth terminal (602-8) of the second switch (602) to the third terminal (602-3) of the second switch (602), and connect the ninth terminal (602-9) of the second switch (602) to the fourth terminal (602-4) of the second switch (602). For example, the instructions may be executed by the processor (620).
[0121] For example, the electronic device (101-2) may include a DAC (631) for a first signal (211) and a DAC (632) for a second signal (212). For example, a digital signal (611) provided from a processor (620) may be converted into a first signal (211) by the DAC (631). For example, a digital signal (612) provided from the processor (620) may be converted into a second signal (212) by the DAC (632). For example, the DAC (631) may be connected to a first input terminal (231). For example, the DAC (632) may be connected to a second input terminal (232).
[0122] For example, the electronic device (101-2) may further include components for receiving signals. For example, the components may be arranged in relation to the first switch (601) and the second switch (602).
[0123] For example, the electronic device (101-2) may include, as the above components, an ADC (633), an ADC (634), an ADC (636), and an ADC (637). For example, the ADC (633) may convert an analog signal received through one of the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) into a digital signal (613). The digital signal (613) may be provided to the processor (620). For example, the ADC (634) may convert an analog signal received through one of the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) into a digital signal (614). The digital signal (614) may be provided to the processor (620). For example, the ADC (636) can convert an analog signal received through one of the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) into a digital signal (616). The digital signal (616) can be provided to the processor (620). For example, the ADC (637) can convert an analog signal received through one of the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) into a digital signal (617). The digital signal (617) can be provided to the processor (620).
[0124] For example, the electronic device (101-2) may further include components for receiving signals from the outside via a beam. For example, the components may be used to determine at least some of the first phase, the second phase, the third phase, the fourth phase, the fifth phase, and the sixth phase.
[0125] For example, the electronic device (101-2) may include a phase shifter (641) configured to obtain a third RF signal having a seventh phase, a phase shifter (642) configured to obtain a third RF signal having an eighth phase, a phase shifter (644) configured to obtain a fourth RF signal having a ninth phase, and a phase shifter (645) configured to obtain a fourth RF signal having a tenth phase. For example, when the seventh phase corresponds to the first phase and the ninth phase corresponds to the second phase, the phase shifter (641) and the phase shifter (644) may not be included in the electronic device (101-2).
[0126] For example, the phase converter (641) and the phase converter (642) may be replaced with parts of the first down-conversion circuit exemplified in the descriptions of FIGS. 8 to 10, and the phase converter (644) and the phase converter (645) may be replaced with parts of the second down-conversion circuit exemplified in the descriptions of FIGS. 8 to 10.
[0127] For example, after (or immediately after) receiving the third RF signal having the eighth phase through the third antenna (293) using the phase converter (642), the second phase of the first RF signal (221-2) provided to the third antenna (293) may correspond to the eighth phase. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0128] For example, the electronic device (101-2) may further include components for time division duplexing (TDD). For example, the electronic device (101-2) may include, as the components, a switch (651) configured to connect one of the ADC (633) and the first output terminal (241) to the first terminal (602-1) of the second switch (602), a switch (652) configured to connect one of the ADC (634) and the second output terminal (242) to the second terminal (602-2) of the second switch (602), a switch (654) configured to connect one of the ADC (636) and the fourth output terminal (244) to the third terminal (602-3) of the second switch (602), and a switch (655) configured to connect one of the ADC (637) and the fifth output terminal (245) to the fourth terminal (602-4) of the second switch (602). For example, instructions for controlling switch (651), switch (652), switch (654), and switch (655) can be stored in memory (630).
[0129] The first switch (601) and the second switch (602) of FIG. 6 can be replaced with a single switch as shown in FIG. 7.
[0130] FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary electronic device including one or more switches and upconversion circuits including a single switch.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device (101-3) may include a switch (701). For example, the first switch (601) and the second switch (602) of the electronic device (101-2) of FIG. 6 may be replaced with the switch (701) of the electronic device (101-3), which may be a single switch.
[0132] According to one embodiment, the switch (701) may include a first terminal (701-1) connected to a first output terminal (241), a second terminal (701-2) connected to a second output terminal (242), a third terminal (701-3) connected to a third output terminal (243), a fourth terminal (701-4) connected to a fourth output terminal (244), a fifth terminal (701-5) connected to a fifth output terminal (245), a sixth terminal (701-6) connected to a sixth output terminal (246), a seventh terminal (701-7) connected to a first antenna (291), an eighth terminal (701-8) connected to a second antenna (292), a ninth terminal (701-9) connected to a third antenna (293), and a tenth terminal (701-10) connected to a fourth antenna (294).
[0133] For example, the switch (701) is available for connecting one of the seventh terminal (701-7) of the switch (701), the eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701), the ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701), and the tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701) to the first terminal (701-1) of the switch (701), and is available for connecting one of the seventh terminal (701-7) of the switch (701), the eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701), the ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701), and the tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701) to the second terminal (701-2) of the switch (701), and is available for connecting one of the seventh terminal (701-7) of the switch (701), the eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701), the ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701), and the tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701) to the third terminal (701-3) of the switch (701). Available for connecting one of the terminal (701-7), the eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701), the ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701), and the tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701), and available for connecting one of the terminals (701-7) of the switch (701), the eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701), the ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701), and the tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701) to the fourth terminal (701-4) of the switch (701), and available for connecting one of the terminals (701-7) of the switch (701), the eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701), the ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701), and the tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701) to the fifth terminal (701-5) of the switch (701). It is available for connecting one of the tenth terminals (701-10) of the switch (701), and may be available for connecting one of the seventh terminal (701-7) of the switch (701), the eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701), the ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701), and the tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701) to the sixth terminal (701-6) of the switch (701).
[0134] For example, the memory (630) can store instructions that replace the instructions illustrated in the description of FIG. 6.
[0135] For example, the memory (630) transmits information in the first RF signal (221-1) to the first external electronic device (111) through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal (221-1) to the first antenna (291), while transmitting information in the second RF signal (222-1) to the second antenna (292), while providing the second RF signal (222-2) to the third antenna (293), and while transmitting the second RF signal (222-3) to the fourth antenna (294), to the second external electronic device (112), by connecting the seventh terminal (701-7) of the switch (701) to the first terminal (701-1) of the switch (701), and connecting the eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701) to the fourth terminal (701-4) of the switch (701). Instructions for controlling the switch (701) to connect the ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701) to the fifth terminal (701-5) of the switch (701) and to connect the tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701) to the sixth terminal (701-6) of the switch (701) can be stored. The instructions can be executed by the processor (620).
[0136] For example, the memory (630) transmits the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device (111) through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal (221-1) to the first antenna (291) and the first RF signal (221-2) to the second antenna (292), while transmitting the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device (112) through a beam formed by providing the second RF signal (222-1) to the third antenna (293) and the second RF signal (222-2) to the fourth antenna (294), by connecting the seventh terminal (701-7) of the switch (701) to the first terminal (701-1) of the switch (701), connecting the eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701) to the second terminal (701-2) of the switch (701), and connecting the fourth terminal (701-2) of the switch (701). Further instructions for controlling the switch (701) to connect the ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701) to the terminal (701-4) and to connect the tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701) to the fifth terminal (701-5) of the switch (701) may be stored. The instructions may be executed by the processor (620).
[0137] For example, the memory (630) transmits the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device (111) through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal (221-1) to the first antenna (291), the first RF signal (221-2) to the second antenna (292), and the first RF signal (221-3) to the third antenna (293), while transmitting the information in the second RF signal (222-1) to the second external electronic device (112) through a beam formed by providing the second RF signal (222-1) to the fourth antenna (294), by connecting the seventh terminal (701-7) of the switch (701) to the first terminal (701-1) of the switch (701), and connecting the eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701) to the second terminal (701-2) of the switch (701). Further instructions for controlling the switch (701) may be stored, such as connecting the ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701) to the third terminal (701-3) of the switch (701) and connecting the tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701) to the fourth terminal (701-4) of the switch (701). The instructions may be executed by the processor (620).
[0138] For example, the memory (630) transmits the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device (111) through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal (221-1) converted from the first signal (211) identical to the second signal (212) to the first antenna (291), providing the first RF signal (221-2) converted from the first signal (211) identical to the second signal (212) to the second antenna (292), providing the second RF signal (222-1) converted from the second signal (212) identical to the first signal (211) to the third antenna (293), and providing the second RF signal (222-2) converted from the second signal (212) identical to the first signal (211) to the fourth antenna (294), to the first terminal (701-1) of the switch (701). Further instructions for controlling the switch (701) may be stored, such as connecting a terminal (701-7), connecting an eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701) to a second terminal (701-2) of the switch (701), connecting a ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701) to a fourth terminal (701-4) of the switch (701), and connecting a tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701) to a fifth terminal (701-5) of the switch (701). The instructions may be executed by the processor (620).
[0139] For example, the memory (630) transmits the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device (112) through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal (221-1) converted from the first signal (211) identical to the second signal (212) to the first antenna (291), providing the first RF signal (221-2) converted from the first signal (211) identical to the second signal (212) to the second antenna (292), providing the second RF signal (222-1) converted from the second signal (212) identical to the first signal (211) to the third antenna (293), and providing the second RF signal (222-2) converted from the second signal (212) identical to the first signal (211) to the fourth antenna (294), to the first terminal (701-1) of the switch (701). Further instructions for controlling the switch (701) may be stored, such as connecting a terminal (701-7), connecting an eighth terminal (701-8) of the switch (701) to a second terminal (701-2) of the switch (701), connecting a ninth terminal (701-9) of the switch (701) to a fourth terminal (701-4) of the switch (701), and connecting a tenth terminal (701-10) of the switch (701) to a fifth terminal (701-5) of the switch (701). The instructions may be executed by the processor (620).
[0140] For example, unlike the electronic devices (101-1), (101-2), and (101-3) exemplified above, the electronic device (101) may include only down-conversion circuits. Such an electronic device (101) is described and exemplified in more detail with reference to FIG. 8.
[0141] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary electronic device including downconversion circuits and one or more switches.
[0142] Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device (101-4) may include a plurality of antennas, including a first antenna (291), a second antenna (292), a third antenna (293), and a fourth antenna (294). The electronic device (101-4) may include a first down-conversion circuit (801). The electronic device (101-4) may include a second down-conversion circuit (802). The electronic device (101-4) may include one or more switches (810).
[0143] At least some of the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) can be used as an array antenna (or array antennas) (or phased array antenna(s)) having a function or feature of electronic steering without physical movement of the antennas. As a non-limiting example, a phase difference between one or more signals radiated from one or more of the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294) can cause such electronic steering.
[0144] The types of some of the plurality of antennas, including the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294), may be different from the types of other some of the plurality of antennas, including the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294).
[0145] A first down-converting circuit (or down-conversion circuitry or down-converting circuit) (801) may be configured to obtain (or generate) a first signal (811) on a base band. For example, the first signal (811) may be provided to a processor (not shown) (e.g., an application processor (AP) or a communication processor (CP)) of an electronic device (101-4) (e.g., including at least a part of the processor (1220) of FIG. 12). For example, the first signal (811) may include information (e.g., control information and / or user data) provided from an external electronic device (or external electronic devices) (e.g., the first external electronic device (111) and / or the second external electronic device (112)).
[0146] The first down-conversion circuit (801) may be configured to output a first signal (811) converted (or down-converted) from one or more first RF signals (e.g., the first RF signal (821-1), the first RF signal (821-2), and / or the first RF signal (821-3)). For example, the first down-conversion circuit (801) may be configured to obtain the first signal (811) converted from the first RF signal (821-1) having a first phase, the first RF signal (821-2) having a second phase, and / or the first RF signal (821-3) having a third phase. For example, the first signal (811) may be output from the first down-conversion circuit (801). For example, the first signal (811) output from the first down-conversion circuit (801) may be provided to the processor of the electronic device (101-4). For example, the first signal (811) may include information (substantially) corresponding to the information contained in the first RF signal (821-1), the first RF signal (821-2), and / or the first RF signal (821-3).
[0147] The first down-conversion circuit (801) may include a first input terminal (841) configured to obtain a first RF signal (821-1), a second input terminal (842) configured to obtain a first RF signal (821-2), a third input terminal (843) configured to obtain a first RF signal (821-3), and a first output terminal (831) configured to output a first signal (811) converted from the first RF signal (821-1), the first RF signal (821-2), and the first RF signal (821-3).
[0148] The second downconversion circuit (802) may be configured to obtain (or generate) a second signal (812) on a baseband. For example, the second signal (812) may be provided to the processor of the electronic device (101-4). For example, the second signal (812) may include information (e.g., control information and / or user data) provided from an external electronic device (or external electronic devices) (e.g., the first external electronic device (111) and / or the second external electronic device (112)).
[0149] The second down-conversion circuit (802) may be configured to output a second signal (812) converted (or down-converted) from one or more second RF signals (e.g., the second RF signal (822-1), the second RF signal (822-2), and / or the second RF signal (822-3)). For example, the second down-conversion circuit (802) may be configured to obtain the second signal (812) converted from the second RF signal (822-1) having a fourth phase, the second RF signal (822-2) having a fifth phase, and / or the second RF signal (822-3) having a sixth phase. For example, the second signal (812) may be output from the second down-conversion circuit (802). For example, the second signal (812) output from the second down-conversion circuit (802) may be provided to the processor of the electronic device (101-4). For example, the second signal (812) may include information that (substantially) corresponds to the information contained in the second RF signal (822-1), the second RF signal (822-2), and / or the second RF signal (822-3).
[0150] The second down-conversion circuit (802) may include a fourth input terminal (844) configured to obtain a second RF signal (822-1), a fifth input terminal (845) configured to obtain a second RF signal (822-2), a sixth input terminal (846) configured to obtain a second RF signal (822-3), and a second output terminal (832) configured to output a second signal (812) converted from the second RF signal (822-1), the second RF signal (822-2), and the second RF signal (822-3).
[0151] As a non-limiting example, the first down-conversion circuit (801) and the second down-conversion circuit (802) may be implemented as described and illustrated in more detail below with reference to FIG. 9.
[0152] Figure 9 shows an example of a down-conversion circuit.
[0153] Referring to FIG. 9, the first down-conversion circuit (801) may include a first down-converter (921), a first phase converter (931), and a second phase converter (932). The second down-conversion circuit (802) may include a second down-converter (922), a third phase converter (933), and a fourth phase converter (934). Each of the first down-converter (921) and the second down-converter (922) may be further available for signal summation. The first down-converter (921) and the second down-converter (922) may be referred to as a first summer (921) and a second summer (922), respectively.
[0154] According to one embodiment, the first down converter (921) (or the second down converter (922)) may include a seventh input terminal (907) (or a tenth input terminal (910)), an eighth input terminal (908) (or an eleventh input terminal (911)), and a ninth input terminal (909) (or a twelfth input terminal (912)).
[0155] For example, a first RF signal (821-1) (or a second RF signal (822-1)) input through a first input terminal (841) (or a fourth input terminal (844)) can be input to a first down converter (921) (or a second down converter (922)) through a seventh input terminal (907) (or a tenth input terminal (910)). For example, the first RF signal (821-1) (or a second RF signal (822-2)) can be down-converted by the first down converter (921) (or the second down converter (922)). For example, the first down converter (921) (or the second down converter (922)) can obtain a portion of the first signal (811) (or a portion of the second signal (812)) down-converted from the first RF signal (821-1) (or the second RF signal (822-1)).
[0156] For example, the second phase (or the fifth phase) of the first RF signal (821-2) (or the second RF signal (822-2)) input through the second input terminal (842) (or the fifth input terminal (845)) can be changed to the first phase (or the fourth phase) through the first phase converter (931) (or the third phase converter (933)). For example, the first RF signal (821-2) having the first phase (or the second RF signal (822-2) having the fourth phase) can be down-converted by the first down-converter (921) (or the second down-converter (922)). For example, the first down converter (921) (or the second down converter (922)) can obtain a portion of the first signal (811) (or a portion of the second signal (812)) down-converted from the first RF signal (821-2) having the first phase (or the second RF signal (822-2) having the fourth phase).
[0157] For example, the third phase (or the sixth phase) of the first RF signal (821-3) (or the second RF signal (822-3)) input through the third input terminal (843) (or the sixth input terminal (846)) can be changed to the first phase (or the fourth phase) through the second phase converter (932) (or the fourth phase converter (934)). For example, the first RF signal (821-3) having the first phase (or the second RF signal (822-3) having the fourth phase) can be down-converted by the first down-converter (921) (or the second down-converter (922)). For example, the first down converter (921) (or the second down converter (922)) can obtain a portion of the first signal (811) (or a portion of the second signal (812)) down-converted from the first RF signal (821-3) having the first phase (or the second RF signal (822-3) having the fourth phase).
[0158] For example, the first down converter (921) (or the second down converter (922)) adds the part of the first signal (811) (or the part of the second signal (812)) down-converted from the first RF signal (821-1) (or the part of the second signal (812)), the part of the first signal (811) (or the part of the second signal (812)) down-converted from the first RF signal (821-2) (or the second RF signal (822-2)) having the first phase), and the part of the first signal (811) (or the part of the second signal (812)) down-converted from the first RF signal (821-3) (or the second RF signal (822-3)) having the fourth phase, thereby generating the first A signal (811) (or a second signal (812)) can be obtained. For example, the first signal (811) (or the second signal (812)) can be provided to the processor of the electronic device (101-4) via the first output terminal (831) (or the second output terminal (832)).
[0159] Obtaining a first signal (811) using a first down-conversion circuit (801) (or obtaining a second signal (812) using a second down-conversion circuit (802)) is illustrated in more detail with reference to FIG. 10.
[0160] Figure 10 illustrates an example of the connection relationship between components included in a downconversion circuit.
[0161] Referring to FIG. 10, the first input terminal (841) of the first down-conversion circuit (801) can obtain the first RF signal (821-1) having the first phase. For example, the first RF signal (821-1) having the first phase can be divided into a first signal component (1001-1) having the first phase and a second signal component (1001-2) having the first phase. For example, the first signal component (1001-1) represents an in-phase component (or signal) for the first RF signal (821-1), and the second signal component (1001-2) represents a quadrature component (or signal) for the first RF signal (821-1).
[0162] The first signal component (1001-1) having the first phase can be down-converted through LO (1091). For example, the second signal component (1001-2) having the first phase can be down-converted through LO (1092).
[0163] Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, as a non-limiting example, the first down-conversion circuit (801) may further include an amplifier (e.g., a programmable amplifier (PA)) configured to adjust the gain of the first signal component (1001-1) down-converted via LO (1091) and an amplifier configured to adjust the gain of the second signal component (1001-2) down-converted via LO (1092).
[0164] The second input terminal (842) of the first down-conversion circuit (801) can obtain the first RF signal (821-2) having the second phase. For example, the first RF signal (821-2) having the second phase can be divided into a first signal component (1002-1) having the second phase and a second signal component (1002-2) having the second phase. For example, the first signal component (1002-1) represents an in-phase component (or signal) for the first RF signal (821-2), and the second signal component (1002-2) represents a quadrature component (or signal) for the first RF signal (821-2).
[0165] The first signal component (1002-1) can be down-converted via LO (1091). For example, the second signal component (1002-2) can be down-converted via LO (1092).
[0166] The third input terminal (843) of the first down-conversion circuit (801) can obtain the first RF signal (821-3) having the third phase. For example, the first RF signal (821-3) having the third phase can be divided into a first signal component (1003-1) having the third phase and a second signal component (1003-2) having the third phase. For example, the first signal component (1003-1) represents an in-phase component (or signal) for the first RF signal (821-3), and the second signal component (1003-2) represents a quadrature component (or signal) for the first RF signal (821-3).
[0167] The first signal component (1003-1) can be down-converted via LO (1091). For example, the second signal component (1003-2) can be down-converted via LO (1092).
[0168] For example, the phase of the first signal component (1002-1) down-converted via LO (1091) can be changed from the second phase to the first phase via PA (1081). For example, the phase of the second signal component (1002-2) down-converted via LO (1092) can be changed from the second phase to the first phase via PA (1082). As a non-limiting example, PA (1081) can be further used to adjust the gain of the first signal component (1002-1), and PA (1082) can be further used to adjust the gain of the second signal component (1002-2).
[0169] For example, the phase of the first signal component (1002-1) down-converted via LO (1091) can be changed from the second phase to the first phase via PA (1083). For example, the phase of the second signal component (1002-2) down-converted via LO (1092) can be changed from the second phase to the first phase via PA (1084). As a non-limiting example, PA (1083) can be further used to adjust the gain of the first signal component (1002-1), and PA (1084) can be further used to adjust the gain of the second signal component (1002-2).
[0170] For example, the phase of the first signal component (1003-1) down-converted via LO (1091) can be changed from the third phase to the first phase via PA (1085). For example, the phase of the second signal component (1003-2) down-converted via LO (1092) can be changed from the third phase to the first phase via PA (1086). As a non-limiting example, PA (1085) can be further used to adjust the gain of the first signal component (1003-1), and PA (1086) can be further used to adjust the gain of the second signal component (1003-2).
[0171] For example, the phase of the first signal component (1003-1) down-converted via LO (1091) can be changed from the third phase to the first phase via PA (1087). For example, the phase of the second signal component (1003-2) down-converted via LO (1092) can be changed from the third phase to the first phase via PA (1088). As a non-limiting example, PA (1087) can be further used to adjust the gain of the first signal component (1003-1), and PA (1088) can be further used to adjust the gain of the second signal component (1003-2).
[0172] For example, the first component (811-1) of the first signal (811) can be obtained by adding the first signal component (1001-1) having the first phase, the first signal component (1002-1) having the first phase changed from the second phase through the PA (1081), the second signal component (1002-2) having the first phase changed from the second phase through the PA (1082), the first signal component (1003-1) having the first phase changed from the third phase through the PA (1085), and the second signal component (1003-2) having the first phase changed from the third phase through the PA (1086).
[0173] For example, the second component (811-2) of the first signal (811) can be obtained by adding the second signal component (1001-2) having the first phase, the first signal component (1002-1) having the first phase changed from the second phase through the PA (1083), the second signal component (1002-2) having the first phase changed from the second phase through the PA (1084), the first signal component (1003-1) having the first phase changed from the third phase through the PA (1087), and the second signal component (1003-2) having the first phase changed from the third phase through the PA (1088).
[0174] For example, the first down-conversion circuit (801) can obtain the first signal (811) by using the first component (811-1) of the first signal (811) and the second component (811-2) of the first signal (811).
[0175] Referring again to FIG. 8, one or more switches (810) may be used for a first input terminal (841) of a first down-conversion circuit (801) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas (e.g., including a first antenna (291), a second antenna (292), a third antenna (293), and a fourth antenna (294), a second input terminal (842) of the first down-conversion circuit (801) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a third input terminal (843) of the first down-conversion circuit (801) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a fourth input terminal (844) of the second down-conversion circuit (802) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a fifth input terminal (845) of the second down-conversion circuit (802) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, and a sixth input terminal (846) of the second down-conversion circuit (802) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas. For example, one or more switches (810) may be included within the electronic device (101-4) to variously combine the plurality of antennas of the electronic device (101-4) to form various beams.
[0176] For example, one or more switches (810) may be configured to connect any four of the first input terminal (841), the second input terminal (842), the third input terminal (843), the fourth input terminal (844), the fifth input terminal (845), and the sixth input terminal (846) to the first antenna (291), the second antenna (292), the third antenna (293), and the fourth antenna (294), respectively.
[0177] For example, an antenna connected to a first input terminal (841) through one or more switches (810) among the plurality of antennas can be disconnected from a second input terminal (842), a third input terminal (843), a fourth input terminal (844), a fifth input terminal (845), and a sixth input terminal (846) through one or more switches (810). For example, an antenna connected to a second input terminal (842) through one or more switches (810) among the plurality of antennas can be disconnected from a first input terminal (841), a third input terminal (843), a fourth input terminal (844), a fifth input terminal (845), and a sixth input terminal (846) through one or more switches (810). For example, an antenna connected to a third input terminal (843) through one or more switches (810) among the plurality of antennas may be disconnected from a first input terminal (841), a second input terminal (842), a fourth input terminal (844), a fifth input terminal (845), and a sixth input terminal (846) through one or more switches (810). For example, an antenna connected to a fourth input terminal (844) through one or more switches (810) among the plurality of antennas may be disconnected from a first input terminal (841), a second input terminal (842), a third input terminal (843), a fifth input terminal (845), and a sixth input terminal (846) through one or more switches (810). For example, an antenna connected to the fifth input terminal (845) through one or more switches (810) among the plurality of antennas can be disconnected from the first input terminal (841), the second input terminal (842), the third input terminal (843), the fourth input terminal (844), and the sixth input terminal (846) through one or more switches (810).For example, an antenna connected to the sixth input terminal (846) through one or more switches (810) among the plurality of antennas can be disconnected from the first input terminal (841), the second input terminal (842), the third input terminal (843), the fourth input terminal (844), and the fifth input terminal (845) through one or more switches (810).
[0178] As described above, one or more switches (810) may perform functions identical to or similar to the functions of one or more switches (210) of the electronic device (101-1).
[0179] The above-exemplified upconversion circuits (e.g., the first upconversion circuit (201) and the second upconversion circuit (202)) and downconversion circuits (e.g., the first downconversion circuit (801) and the second downconversion circuit (802)) may be included in a single electronic device. Such an electronic device is exemplified in more detail below with reference to FIG. 11.
[0180] FIG. 11 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary electronic device including upconversion circuits, downconversion circuits, and one or more switches.
[0181] Referring to FIG. 11, an electronic device (101-5) according to one embodiment may include a first up-conversion circuit (201), a second up-conversion circuit (202), a first down-conversion circuit (801), a second down-conversion circuit (802), and one or more switches (1100).
[0182] For example, one or more switches (1100) may include a first output terminal (241) of a first up-conversion circuit (201) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas (e.g., including a first antenna (291), a second antenna (292), a third antenna (293), and a fourth antenna (294), a second output terminal (242) of the first up-conversion circuit (201) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a third output terminal (243) of the first up-conversion circuit (201) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a fourth output terminal (244) of the second up-conversion circuit (202) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a fifth output terminal (245) of the second up-conversion circuit (202) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a sixth output terminal (246) of the second up-conversion circuit (202) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, A first input terminal (841) of a first down-conversion circuit (801), a second input terminal (842) of the first down-conversion circuit (801) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a third input terminal (843) of the first down-conversion circuit (801) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a fourth input terminal (844) of a second down-conversion circuit (802) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, a fifth input terminal (845) of the second down-conversion circuit (802) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, and a sixth input terminal (846) of the second down-conversion circuit (802) connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas may be used. For example, one or more switches (1100) may be included in the electronic device (101-5) to variously combine the plurality of antennas of the electronic device (101-5) to form various beams (e.g., various transmit beams and various receive beams).
[0183] As a non-limiting example, the one or more switches (1100) may include a switch (1101) and a switch (1155).
[0184] For example, the switch (1101) may include a first terminal (1101-1) that may be connected to a first output terminal (241) or a first input terminal (841), a second terminal (1101-2) that may be connected to a second output terminal (242) or a second input terminal (842), a third terminal (1101-3) that may be connected to a fourth output terminal (244) or a fourth input terminal (844), a fourth terminal (1101-4) that may be connected to a fifth output terminal (245) or a fifth input terminal (845), a fifth terminal (1101-5) that may be connected to a third output terminal (243), a sixth output terminal (246), a third input terminal (843), or a sixth input terminal (846), a sixth terminal (1101-6) that may be connected to a first antenna (291), and a seventh terminal (1101-6) that may be connected to a second antenna (292). It may include a terminal (1101-7), an eighth terminal (1101-8) connected to a third antenna (293), and / or a ninth terminal (1101-9) connected to a fourth antenna (294).
[0185] For example, the switch (1155) may include a first terminal (1155-1) connected to a third output terminal (243), a second terminal (1155-2) connected to a sixth output terminal (246), a third terminal (1155-3) connected to a third input terminal (843), a fourth terminal (1155-4) connected to a sixth input terminal (846), and / or a fifth terminal (1155-5) connected to a fifth terminal (1101-5) of the switch (1101).
[0186] For example, the electronic device (101-5) may further include components for TDD. For example, the electronic device (101-5) may include a switch (1151) configured to connect one of the first output terminal (241) and the first input terminal (841) to the first terminal (1101-1) of the switch (1101), a switch (1152) configured to connect one of the second output terminal (242) and the second input terminal (842) to the second terminal (1101-2) of the switch (1101), a switch (1153) configured to connect one of the fourth output terminal (244) and the fourth input terminal (844) to the third terminal (1101-3) of the switch (1101), and / or a switch (1154) configured to connect one of the fifth output terminal (245) and the fifth input terminal (845) to the fourth terminal (1101-4) of the switch (1101).
[0187] For example, the electronic device (101-5) may include a processor (1120) (including a processing circuit) and a memory (1130). For example, the processor (1120) may be used to control one or more switches (1100), switch (1151), switch (1152), switch (1153), and switch (1154), including a switch (1101) and a switch (1155). For example, the memory (1130) may store instructions that are executed by the processor (1120) to control one or more switches (1100), switch (1151), switch (1152), switch (1153), and switch (1154), including a switch (1101) and a switch (1155).
[0188] For example, the electronic device (101-5) may include a DAC (1131) for a first signal (211) to be transmitted through a first up-conversion circuit (201) and a DAC (1132) for a second signal (212) to be transmitted through a second up-conversion circuit (202). For example, a digital signal (1111) provided from a processor (1120) may be converted into a first signal (211) by the DAC (1131). For example, a digital signal (1112) provided from a processor (1120) may be converted into a second signal (212) by the DAC (1132).
[0189] For example, the electronic device (101-5) may include an ADC (1133) for a first signal (811) received through a first down-conversion circuit (801) and an ADC (1134) for a second signal (812) received through a second down-conversion circuit (802). For example, a digital signal (1113) converted from the first signal (811) by the ADC (1133) may be provided to a processor (1120). For example, a digital signal (1114) converted from the second signal (812) by the ADC (1134) may be provided to a processor (1120). The processor (1120) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor," as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processor may be configured to perform various functions described herein, individually and / or collectively, in a distributed manner. When "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described herein as being configured to perform multiple functions, these terms, by way of example and not limitation, cover situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions, another processor performs other parts of the recited functions, and also situations where a single processor performs all the recited functions. Furthermore, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various of the recited / disclosed functions, such as in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to perform or effectuate various functions.
[0190] For example, the processor (1120) can adaptively change the path for the first signal (211), the path for the second signal (212), the path for the first signal (811), and / or the path for the second signal (812) according to the state of the wireless environment by controlling one or more switches (1100), switch (1151), switch (1152), switch (1153), and switch (1154), including switch (1101) and switch (1155).
[0191] As described above, the electronic device (101-5) may have the ability to form various beams by including one or more switches (1100), switch (1151), switch (1152), switch (1153), and switch (1154), including switch (1101) and switch (1155).
[0192] The above exemplified operations may be caused by an electronic device (1201) as described and exemplified in more detail below with reference to FIG. 12.
[0193] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electronic device (1201) within a network environment (1200) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 12 , in the network environment (1200), the electronic device (1201) may communicate with the electronic device (1202) via a first network (1298) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (1204) or the server (1208) via a second network (1299) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (1201) may communicate with the electronic device (1204) via the server (1208). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1201) may include a processor (1220), a memory (1230), an input module (1250), an audio output module (1255), a display module (1260), an audio module (1270), a sensor module (1276), an interface (1277), a connection terminal (1278), a haptic module (1279), a camera module (1280), a power management module (1288), a battery (1289), a communication module (1290), a subscriber identification module (1296), or an antenna module (1297). In some embodiments, the electronic device (1201) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (1278)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (1276), camera module (1280), or antenna module (1297)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (1260)).
[0194] The processor (1220) may control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (1201) connected to the processor (1220) by executing, for example, software (e.g., program (1240)), and may perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1220) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (1276) or communication module (1290)) in volatile memory (1232), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (1232), and store result data in non-volatile memory (1234). According to one embodiment, the processor (1220) may include a main processor (1221) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (1223) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (1221). For example, when the electronic device (1201) includes the main processor (1221) and the auxiliary processor (1223), the auxiliary processor (1223) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (1221) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (1223) may be implemented separately from the main processor (1221) or as a part thereof.
[0195] The auxiliary processor (1223) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (1260), a sensor module (1276), or a communication module (1290)) of the electronic device (1201), for example, on behalf of the main processor (1221) while the main processor (1221) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (1221) while the main processor (1221) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1223) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (1280) or a communication module (1290)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1223) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (1201) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (1208)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.
[0196] The memory (1230) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (1220) or the sensor module (1276)) of the electronic device (1201). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (1240)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (1230) can include a volatile memory (1232) or a non-volatile memory (1234).
[0197] The program (1240) may be stored as software in memory (1230) and may include, for example, an operating system (1242), middleware (1244), or an application (1246).
[0198] The input module (1250) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (1201) (e.g., a processor (1220)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1201). The input module (1250) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).
[0199] The audio output module (1255) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (1201). The audio output module (1255) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.
[0200] The display module (1260) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1201). The display module (1260) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (1260) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.
[0201] The audio module (1270) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (1270) can acquire sound through the input module (1250), output sound through the sound output module (1255), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1202)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (1201).
[0202] The sensor module (1276) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (1201) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (1276) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.
[0203] The interface (1277) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (1201) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1202)). In one embodiment, the interface (1277) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.
[0204] The connection terminal (1278) may include a connector through which the electronic device (1201) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1202)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (1278) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).
[0205] The haptic module (1279) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (1279) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.
[0206] The camera module (1280) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (1280) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.
[0207] The power management module (1288) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (1201). According to one embodiment, the power management module (1288) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).
[0208] A battery (1289) may power at least one component of the electronic device (1201). In one embodiment, the battery (1289) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.
[0209] The communication module (1290) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (1201) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1202), electronic device (1204), or server (1208)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1290) may operate independently from the processor (1220) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (1290) may include a wireless communication module (1292) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (1294) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (1204) via a first network (1298) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (1299) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (1292) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (1296) to verify or authenticate the electronic device (1201) within a communication network such as the first network (1298) or the second network (1299).
[0210] The wireless communication module (1292) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (1292) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (1292) may support various technologies for securing performance in high-frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (1292) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (1201), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1204)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (1299)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (1292) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.
[0211] The antenna module (1297) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1297) may include an antenna including a radiator including a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1297) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (1298) or the second network (1299), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (1290). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (1290) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (1297).
[0212] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (1297) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.
[0213] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).
[0214] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (1201) and an external electronic device (1204) via a server (1208) connected to a second network (1299). Each of the external electronic devices (1202 or 1204) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (1201). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (1201) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (1202, 1204, or 1208). For example, when the electronic device (1201) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (1201) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (1201). The electronic device (1201) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (1201) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (1204) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (1208) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (1204) or server (1208) may be included within the second network (1299). The electronic device (1201) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.
[0215] As described above, an electronic device may include a plurality of antennas, including a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna. The electronic device may include a first upconversion circuit, including a first input terminal configured to obtain a first signal on a baseband, a first output terminal configured to output a first radio frequency (RF) signal having a first phase, converted from the first signal, a second output terminal configured to output the first RF signal having a second phase, converted from the first signal, and a third output terminal configured to output the first RF signal having a third phase, converted from the first signal. The first phase, the second phase, and the third phase may be different from each other. The electronic device may include a second up-conversion circuit including a second input terminal configured to obtain a second signal on a baseband, a fourth output terminal configured to output a second RF signal having a fourth phase, which is converted from the second signal, a fifth output terminal configured to output the second RF signal having a fifth phase, which is converted from the second signal, and a sixth output terminal configured to output the second RF signal having a sixth phase, which is converted from the second signal. The fourth phase, the fifth phase, and the sixth phase may be different from each other.The electronic device may include one or more switches for the first output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the second output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the third output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fourth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fifth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, and the sixth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas.
[0216] For example, the one or more switches may be configured to connect any four of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal to the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna, respectively.
[0217] For example, among the plurality of antennas, an antenna connected to the first output terminal through the one or more switches is disconnected from the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal through the one or more switches, among the plurality of antennas, an antenna connected to the second output terminal through the one or more switches is disconnected from the first output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal through the one or more switches, among the plurality of antennas, an antenna connected to the third output terminal through the one or more switches is disconnected from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal through the one or more switches, among the plurality of antennas, an antenna connected to the fourth output terminal through the one or more switches is disconnected from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the An antenna connected to the fifth output terminal through one or more of the switches among the plurality of antennas and disconnected from the sixth output terminal may be disconnected from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal through the one or more switches among the plurality of antennas and disconnected from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, and the fifth output terminal through the one or more switches.
[0218] For example, the electronic device may include a memory. The memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor, disconnects the plurality of antennas from all of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal, and forms a first transmission path between one of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal and one of the plurality of antennas, and further forms a second transmission path between another one of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal and another one of the plurality of antennas while the first transmission path and the second transmission path are formed, and further forms another one of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal (also and further forming a third transmission path between another one of the plurality of antennas and, while the first transmission path, the second transmission path, and the third transmission path are being formed, further forming a fourth transmission path between still another one of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal and another one of the plurality of antennas.
[0219] For example, the first up-conversion circuit includes a first up-converter including a seventh output terminal connected to the first output terminal for outputting the first RF signal having the first phase through the first output terminal, an eighth output terminal configured to output the first RF signal having the first phase, and a ninth output terminal configured to output the first RF signal having the first phase, a first phase shifter respectively connected to the second output terminal and the eighth output terminal for outputting the first RF signal having the second phase through the second output terminal, and a first RF signal having the first phase output from the ninth output terminal, and a first phase shifter respectively connected to the second output terminal and the eighth output terminal for outputting the first RF signal having the first phase through the ninth output terminal, and a first phase shifter respectively connected to the third output terminal for outputting the first RF signal having the first phase through the ninth output terminal, and a first phase shifter respectively connected to the eighth output terminal for outputting the first RF signal having the first phase through the ninth output terminal, and a first phase shifter respectively connected to the eighth output terminal for outputting the first RF signal having the first phase through the ninth output terminal, and a first phase shifter respectively connected to the eighth output terminal for outputting the first RF signal having the first phase through the ninth output terminal, and a first phase shifter respectively connected to the eighth output terminal for outputting the first RF signal having the third phase through the ninth output terminal. It may include a second phase converter connected to the third output terminal and the ninth output terminal, respectively, to obtain a first RF signal and output the first RF signal having the third phase through the third output terminal.For example, the second up-conversion circuit includes a second up-converter including a tenth output terminal connected to the fourth output terminal for outputting the second RF signal having the fourth phase through the fourth output terminal, an eleventh output terminal configured to output the second RF signal having the fourth phase, and a twelfth output terminal configured to output the second RF signal having the fourth phase, a third phase shifter connected to the fifth output terminal and the eleventh output terminal, respectively, for outputting the second RF signal having the fifth phase through the fifth output terminal, and a third phase shifter connected to the fifth output terminal and the eleventh output terminal for outputting the second RF signal having the fifth phase through the fifth output terminal, and a second RF signal having the fourth phase output from the twelfth output terminal, and a fourth phase shifter configured to shift the fourth phase of the second RF signal obtained from the twelfth output terminal. The second RF signal having the sixth phase may be obtained, and a fourth phase converter may be connected to the sixth output terminal and the twelfth output terminal, respectively, to output the second RF signal having the sixth phase through the sixth output terminal.
[0220] For example, the one or more switches may include a first switch including a first terminal connected to the third output terminal, a second terminal connected to the sixth output terminal, and a third terminal, and a second switch including a first terminal connected to the first output terminal, a second terminal connected to the second output terminal, a third terminal connected to the fourth output terminal, a fourth terminal connected to the fifth output terminal, and a fifth terminal connected to the third terminal of the first switch, a sixth terminal connected to the first antenna, a seventh terminal connected to the second antenna, an eighth terminal connected to the third antenna, and a ninth terminal connected to the fourth antenna.
[0221] For example, the first switch may be configured to connect the third terminal of the first switch to one of the first terminal of the first switch and the second terminal of the first switch. For example, the second switch may be configured to connect one of the sixth terminal of the second switch, the seventh terminal of the second switch, the eighth terminal of the second switch, and the ninth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, and is available to connect one of the sixth terminal of the second switch, the seventh terminal of the second switch, the eighth terminal of the second switch, and the ninth terminal of the second switch to the second terminal of the second switch, and is available to connect one of the sixth terminal of the second switch, the seventh terminal of the second switch, the eighth terminal of the second switch, and the ninth terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch, and is available to connect one of the sixth terminal of the second switch, the seventh terminal of the second switch, the eighth terminal of the second switch, and the ninth terminal of the second switch to the fourth terminal of the second switch. It is available to connect one terminal, and may be available to connect one terminal of the sixth terminal of the second switch, the seventh terminal of the second switch, the eighth terminal of the second switch, and the ninth terminal of the second switch to the fifth terminal of the second switch.
[0222] For example, the memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor, transmits information in the first RF signal to a first external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase to the first antenna, providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase to the second antenna, providing the second RF signal having the fifth phase to the third antenna, and providing the second RF signal having the sixth phase to the fourth antenna, while transmitting information in the second RF signal to a second external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase to the second antenna, connecting the sixth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, connecting the seventh terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch, connecting the eighth terminal of the second switch to the fourth terminal of the second switch, and connecting the fifth terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the first switch. Instructions for controlling the first switch and the second switch to connect the 9th terminal can be stored.
[0223] For example, the memory further comprises instructions for controlling the second switch to connect the sixth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, to connect the seventh terminal of the second switch to the second terminal of the second switch, to connect the eighth terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch, and to connect the ninth terminal of the second switch to the fourth terminal of the second switch, to transmit the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase to the first antenna and providing the first RF signal having the second phase to the second antenna, while transmitting the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase to the third antenna and providing the second RF signal having the fifth phase to the fourth antenna. You can save it.
[0224] For example, the memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor, transmits the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase to the first antenna, providing the first RF signal having the second phase to the second antenna, and providing the first RF signal having the third phase to the third antenna, while transmitting the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase to the fourth antenna, by connecting the sixth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, by connecting the seventh terminal of the second switch to the second terminal of the second switch, by connecting the eighth terminal of the second switch to the fifth terminal of the second switch, by connecting the third terminal of the first switch to the third terminal of the second switch, and by connecting the second terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch. Further instructions for controlling the first switch and the second switch to connect the ninth terminal of the switch can be stored.
[0225] For example, the memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor, transmits the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase converted from the first signal identical to the second signal to the first antenna, providing the first RF signal having the second phase converted from the first signal identical to the second signal to the second antenna, providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase converted from the second signal identical to the first signal to the third antenna, and providing the second RF signal having the fifth phase converted from the second signal identical to the first signal to the fourth antenna, connecting the sixth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, connecting the seventh terminal of the second switch to the second terminal of the second switch, connecting the eighth terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch, and Further instructions for controlling the second switch to connect the ninth terminal of the second switch to the fourth terminal may be stored.
[0226] For example, the memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor, transmits the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device via a beam formed by providing to the first antenna a first RF signal having the first phase converted from the first signal identical to the second signal, providing to the second antenna the first RF signal having the second phase converted from the first signal identical to the second signal, providing to the third antenna the second RF signal having the fourth phase converted from the second signal identical to the first signal, and providing to the fourth antenna the second RF signal having the fifth phase converted from the second signal identical to the first signal, by connecting the sixth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, connecting the seventh terminal of the second switch to the second terminal of the second switch, connecting the eighth terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch, and connecting the fourth terminal of the second switch to the eighth terminal of the second switch. Further instructions for controlling the second switch to connect the ninth terminal of the second switch to the terminal may be stored.
[0227] For example, the one or more switches may include a switch including a first terminal connected to the first output terminal, a second terminal connected to the second output terminal, a third terminal connected to the third output terminal, a fourth terminal connected to the fourth output terminal, a fifth terminal connected to the fifth output terminal, a sixth terminal connected to the sixth output terminal, a seventh terminal connected to the first antenna, an eighth terminal connected to the second antenna, a ninth terminal connected to the third antenna, and a tenth terminal connected to the fourth antenna.
[0228] For example, the switch is configured to connect one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the first terminal of the switch, configured to connect one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the second terminal of the switch, configured to connect one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the third terminal of the switch, configured to connect one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the fourth terminal of the switch, configured to connect one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the fifth terminal of the switch, It is configured to connect one of the ten terminals, and can be configured to connect one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the sixth terminal of the switch.
[0229] For example, the memory may store instructions that control the switch to connect the seventh terminal of the switch to the first terminal of the switch, to connect the eighth terminal of the switch to the fourth terminal of the switch, to connect the ninth terminal of the switch to the fifth terminal of the switch, and to connect the tenth terminal of the switch to the sixth terminal of the switch, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor, to transmit information in the first RF signal to a first external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase to the first antenna, while transmitting information in the second RF signal to a second external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase to the second antenna, providing the second RF signal having the fifth phase to the third antenna, and providing the second RF signal having the sixth phase to the fourth antenna.
[0230] For example, the memory may further store instructions that, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor, control the switch to connect the seventh terminal of the switch to the first terminal of the switch, to connect the eighth terminal of the switch to the second terminal of the switch, to connect the ninth terminal of the switch to the fourth terminal of the switch, and to connect the tenth terminal of the switch to the fifth terminal of the switch, to transmit the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase to the first antenna and providing the first RF signal having the second phase to the second antenna, while transmitting the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase to the third antenna and providing the second RF signal having the fifth phase to the fourth antenna.
[0231] For example, the memory may further store instructions that, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor, control the switch to connect the seventh terminal of the switch to the first terminal of the switch, connect the eighth terminal of the switch to the second terminal of the switch, connect the ninth terminal of the switch to the third terminal of the switch, and connect the tenth terminal of the switch to the fourth terminal of the switch, to transmit the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase to the first antenna, providing the first RF signal having the second phase to the second antenna, and providing the first RF signal having the third phase to the third antenna, while transmitting the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase to the fourth antenna.
[0232] For example, the memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor, transmits the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device via a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase converted from the first signal identical to the second signal to the first antenna, providing the first RF signal having the second phase converted from the first signal identical to the second signal to the second antenna, providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase converted from the second signal identical to the first signal to the third antenna, and providing the second RF signal having the fifth phase converted from the second signal identical to the first signal to the fourth antenna, by connecting the seventh terminal of the switch to the first terminal of the switch, connecting the eighth terminal of the switch to the second terminal of the switch, connecting the ninth terminal of the switch to the fourth terminal of the switch, and connecting the tenth terminal of the switch to the fifth terminal of the switch. Additional instructions for controlling the above switches can be stored.
[0233] For example, the memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor, transmits the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device via a beam formed by providing a first RF signal having the first phase converted from the first signal identical to the second signal to the first antenna, providing the first RF signal having the second phase converted from the first signal identical to the second signal to the second antenna, providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase converted from the second signal identical to the first signal to the third antenna, and providing the second RF signal having the fifth phase converted from the second signal identical to the first signal to the fourth antenna, by connecting the seventh terminal of the switch to the first terminal of the switch, connecting the eighth terminal of the switch to the second terminal of the switch, connecting the ninth terminal of the switch to the fourth terminal of the switch, and connecting the tenth terminal of the switch to the fifth terminal of the switch. More instructions to control the switch can be stored.
[0234] For example, the first phase of the first RF signal provided to the first antenna using the one or more switches for transmission to the first external electronic device corresponds to the phase used to receive the RF signal from the first external electronic device through the first antenna, the second phase of the first RF signal provided to the second antenna using the one or more switches for transmission to the first external electronic device corresponds to the phase used to receive the RF signal from the first external electronic device through the second antenna, the fourth phase of the second RF signal provided to the third antenna using the one or more switches for transmission to the second external electronic device corresponds to the phase used to receive the RF signal from the second external electronic device through the third antenna, and the fifth phase of the second RF signal provided to the fourth antenna using the one or more switches for transmission to the second external electronic device corresponds to the phase used to receive the RF signal from the second external electronic device through the fourth antenna. Can respond.
[0235] For example, the electronic device may include a first down-conversion circuit including a third input terminal configured to obtain a third RF signal having a seventh phase, a fourth input terminal configured to obtain the third RF signal having an eighth phase, a fifth input terminal configured to obtain the third RF signal having a ninth phase, and a seventh output terminal configured to output a third signal on baseband converted from the third RF signal having the seventh phase, the third RF signal having the eighth phase, and the third RF signal having the ninth phase, and a second down-conversion circuit including a sixth input terminal configured to obtain a fourth RF signal having a tenth phase, a seventh input terminal configured to obtain the fourth RF signal having an eleventh phase, an eighth input terminal configured to obtain the fourth RF signal having a twelfth phase, and an eighth output terminal configured to output a fourth signal on baseband converted from the fourth RF signal having the tenth phase, the fourth RF signal having the eleventh phase, and the fourth RF signal having the twelfth phase. It can include more circuits.For example, the one or more switches may be for the first output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the second output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the third output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fourth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fifth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the sixth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the third input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fourth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fifth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the sixth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the seventh input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, and the eighth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas.
[0236] For example, the type of some of the plurality of antennas may be different from the type of other some of the plurality of antennas.
[0237] For example, each of the first antenna and the second antenna may be a patch antenna, the third antenna may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) antenna, and the fourth antenna may be an inverted F antenna (IFA).
[0238] As described above, an electronic device comprises a first down-conversion circuit including a plurality of antennas including a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna, a first input terminal configured to obtain a first RF signal having a first phase, a second input terminal configured to obtain the first RF signal having a second phase, a third input terminal configured to obtain the first RF signal having a third phase, and a first output terminal configured to output a first signal on a baseband converted from the first RF signal having the first phase, the first RF signal having the second phase, and the first RF signal having the third phase, a fourth input terminal configured to obtain a second RF signal having a fourth phase, a fifth input terminal configured to obtain the second RF signal having a fifth phase, a sixth input terminal configured to obtain the second RF signal having a sixth phase, and a second down-conversion circuit configured to obtain the second RF signal having the fourth phase, the second RF signal having the fifth phase, and the second RF signal having the sixth phase. A second down-conversion circuit including a second output terminal configured to output a second signal on a baseband converted from a signal, and one or more switches for the first input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the second input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the third input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fourth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fifth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, and the sixth input terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas.
[0239] Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, home appliances, and the like. Electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.
[0240] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.
[0241] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
[0242] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (1240)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (1236) or an external memory (1238)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (1201)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (1220)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (1201)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.
[0243] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.
[0244] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.
[0245] While the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the full scope and spirit of the present disclosure, including the claims below and their equivalents. It should also be understood that any of the embodiments described herein may be utilized in conjunction with any other embodiments described herein.
Claims
1. In electronic devices, A plurality of antennas including a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna; A first up-conversion circuit comprising a first input terminal configured to obtain a first signal on a baseband, a first output terminal configured to output a first RF (radio frequency) signal having a first phase, which is converted from the first signal, a second output terminal configured to output the first RF signal having a second phase, which is converted from the first signal, and a third output terminal configured to output the first RF signal having a third phase, which is converted from the first signal, wherein the first phase, the second phase, and the third phase are different from each other; A second up-conversion circuit comprising a second input terminal configured to obtain a second signal on a baseband, a fourth output terminal configured to output a second RF signal having a fourth phase, which is converted from the second signal, a fifth output terminal configured to output the second RF signal having a fifth phase, which is converted from the second signal, and a sixth output terminal configured to output the second RF signal having a sixth phase, which is converted from the second signal, wherein the fourth phase, the fifth phase, and the sixth phase are different from each other; and Including one or more switches for the first output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the second output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the third output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fourth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, the fifth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas, and the sixth output terminal connectable to any one of the plurality of antennas. Electronic devices.
2. In claim 1, one or more of the switches, configured to connect any four of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal to the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna, respectively. Electronic devices.
3. In claim 1, an antenna connected to the first output terminal through one or more of the switches among the plurality of antennas is configured to be disconnected from the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal through the one or more switches; Among the plurality of antennas, an antenna connected to the second output terminal through one or more of the switches is configured to be disconnected from the first output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal through the one or more switches; Among the plurality of antennas, an antenna connected to the third output terminal through one or more of the switches is configured to be disconnected from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal through the one or more switches; Among the plurality of antennas, an antenna connected to the fourth output terminal through one or more of the switches is configured to be disconnected from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal through the one or more switches; Among the plurality of antennas, an antenna connected to the fifth output terminal through one or more of the switches is configured to be disconnected from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal through the one or more switches; Among the plurality of antennas, an antenna connected to the sixth output terminal through one or more of the switches is configured to be disconnected from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, and the fifth output terminal through the one or more switches; Electronic devices.
4. In claim 1, Including more memory, The above memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor including a processing circuit, Disconnecting the plurality of antennas from all of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal, forming a first transmission path between one of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal and one of the plurality of antennas; While the first transmission path is formed, a second transmission path is further formed between another one of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal and another one of the plurality of antennas, While the first transmission path and the second transmission path are formed, a third transmission path is further formed between another one of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal and another one of the plurality of antennas, storing instructions that cause the one or more switches to further form a fourth transmission path between still also another one of the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal and another one of the plurality of antennas while the first transmission path, the second transmission path, and the third transmission path are formed; Electronic devices.
5. In claim 1, the first up-conversion circuit, A first up-converter including a seventh output terminal connected to the first output terminal for outputting the first RF signal having the first phase through the first output terminal, an eighth output terminal configured to output the first RF signal having the first phase, and a ninth output terminal configured to output the first RF signal having the first phase; A first phase shifter configured to obtain the first RF signal having the first phase output from the eighth output terminal, and obtain the first RF signal having the second phase by shifting the first phase of the first RF signal obtained from the eighth output terminal, and output the first RF signal having the second phase through the second output terminal, and is respectively connected to the second output terminal and the eighth output terminal; and It is configured to obtain the first RF signal having the first phase output from the ninth output terminal, and obtain the first RF signal having the third phase by shifting the first phase of the first RF signal obtained from the ninth output terminal, and includes a second phase shifter respectively connected to the third output terminal and the ninth output terminal to output the first RF signal having the third phase through the third output terminal. The above second up-conversion circuit, A second up converter including a tenth output terminal connected to the fourth output terminal for outputting the second RF signal having the fourth phase through the fourth output terminal, an eleventh output terminal configured to output the second RF signal having the fourth phase, and a twelfth output terminal configured to output the second RF signal having the fourth phase; A third phase shifter configured to obtain the second RF signal having the fourth phase output from the eleventh output terminal and to obtain the second RF signal having the fifth phase by shifting the fourth phase of the second RF signal obtained from the eleventh output terminal, and to output the second RF signal having the fifth phase through the fifth output terminal, and connected to the fifth output terminal and the eleventh output terminal respectively; and A fourth phase shifter is configured to obtain the second RF signal having the fourth phase output from the 12th output terminal, and obtain the second RF signal having the sixth phase by shifting the fourth phase of the second RF signal obtained from the 12th output terminal, and to output the second RF signal having the sixth phase through the 6th output terminal, Electronic devices.
6. In claim 5, one or more of the switches, A first switch including a first terminal connected to the third output terminal, a second terminal connected to the sixth output terminal, and a third terminal; and A second switch including a first terminal connected to the first output terminal, a second terminal connected to the second output terminal, a third terminal connected to the fourth output terminal, a fourth terminal connected to the fifth output terminal, and a fifth terminal connected to the third terminal of the first switch, a sixth terminal connected to the first antenna, a seventh terminal connected to the second antenna, an eighth terminal connected to the third antenna, and a ninth terminal connected to the fourth antenna. Electronic devices.
7. In claim 6, the first switch, configured to connect the third terminal of the first switch to one of the first terminal of the first switch and the second terminal of the first switch, The second switch above, Connecting one of the sixth terminal of the second switch, the seventh terminal of the second switch, the eighth terminal of the second switch, and the ninth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, Connecting one of the sixth terminal of the second switch, the seventh terminal of the second switch, the eighth terminal of the second switch, and the ninth terminal of the second switch to the second terminal of the second switch, Connecting one of the sixth terminal of the second switch, the seventh terminal of the second switch, the eighth terminal of the second switch, and the ninth terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch, Connecting one of the sixth terminal of the second switch, the seventh terminal of the second switch, the eighth terminal of the second switch, and the ninth terminal of the second switch to the fourth terminal of the second switch, configured to connect one of the sixth terminal of the second switch, the seventh terminal of the second switch, the eighth terminal of the second switch, and the ninth terminal of the second switch to the fifth terminal of the second switch; Electronic devices.
8. In claim 7, Including more memory, The above memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor including a processing circuit, In order to transmit information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase to the first antenna, while transmitting information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device through a beam formed by providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase to the second antenna, providing the second RF signal having the fifth phase to the third antenna, and providing the second RF signal having the sixth phase to the fourth antenna, instructions for controlling the first switch and the second switch to connect the sixth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, the seventh terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch, the eighth terminal of the second switch to the fourth terminal of the second switch, and the ninth terminal of the second switch to the fifth terminal of the second switch connected to the third terminal of the first switch, Save, Electronic devices.
9. In claim 8, the memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor including a processing circuit, Further storing instructions for controlling the second switch to connect the sixth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, to connect the seventh terminal of the second switch to the second terminal of the second switch, to connect the eighth terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch, and to connect the ninth terminal of the second switch to the fourth terminal of the second switch, to transmit the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase to the first antenna and the first RF signal having the second phase to the second antenna, while transmitting the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device through a beam formed by providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase to the third antenna. Electronic devices.
10. In claim 9, the memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor including a processing circuit, In order to transmit the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase to the first antenna, the first RF signal having the second phase to the second antenna, and the first RF signal having the third phase to the third antenna, while transmitting the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device through a beam formed by providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase to the fourth antenna, controlling the first switch and the second switch to connect the sixth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, connect the seventh terminal of the second switch to the second terminal of the second switch, connect the eighth terminal of the second switch to the fifth terminal of the second switch connected to the third terminal of the first switch, and connect the ninth terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch. To store more instructions, Electronic devices.
11. In claim 10, the memory is individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor including a processing circuit, In order to transmit the information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase converted from the first signal corresponding to the second signal to the first antenna, providing the first RF signal having the second phase converted from the first signal corresponding to the second signal to the second antenna, providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase converted from the second signal corresponding to the first signal to the third antenna, and providing the second RF signal having the fifth phase converted from the second signal corresponding to the first signal to the fourth antenna, controlling the second switch to connect the sixth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, connecting the seventh terminal of the second switch to the second terminal of the second switch, connecting the eighth terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch, and connecting the ninth terminal of the second switch to the fourth terminal of the second switch. To store more instructions, Electronic devices.
12. In claim 11, the memory is individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor including a processing circuit, In order to transmit the information in the second RF signal to the second external electronic device through a beam formed by providing the first RF signal having the first phase converted from the first signal corresponding to the second signal to the first antenna, providing the first RF signal having the second phase converted from the first signal corresponding to the second signal to the second antenna, providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase converted from the second signal corresponding to the first signal to the third antenna, and providing the second RF signal having the fifth phase converted from the second signal corresponding to the first signal to the fourth antenna, controlling the second switch to connect the sixth terminal of the second switch to the first terminal of the second switch, connecting the seventh terminal of the second switch to the second terminal of the second switch, connecting the eighth terminal of the second switch to the third terminal of the second switch, and connecting the ninth terminal of the second switch to the fourth terminal of the second switch. To store more instructions, Electronic devices.
13. In claim 5, one or more of the switches, A switch including a first terminal connected to the first output terminal, a second terminal connected to the second output terminal, a third terminal connected to the third output terminal, a fourth terminal connected to the fourth output terminal, a fifth terminal connected to the fifth output terminal, a sixth terminal connected to the sixth output terminal, a seventh terminal connected to the first antenna, an eighth terminal connected to the second antenna, a ninth terminal connected to the third antenna, and a tenth terminal connected to the fourth antenna. Electronic devices.
14. In claim 13, the switch, Connecting one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the first terminal of the switch, Connecting one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the second terminal of the switch, Connecting one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the third terminal of the switch, Connecting one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the fourth terminal of the switch, Connecting one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the fifth terminal of the switch, configured to connect one of the seventh terminal of the switch, the eighth terminal of the switch, the ninth terminal of the switch, and the tenth terminal of the switch to the sixth terminal of the switch; Electronic devices.
15. In claim 14, Including more memory, The above memory, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor including a processing circuit, In order to transmit information in the first RF signal to the first external electronic device through a beam formed by providing the second RF signal having the fourth phase to the second antenna, the second RF signal having the fifth phase to the third antenna, and the second RF signal having the sixth phase to the fourth antenna, instructions for controlling the switch to connect the seventh terminal of the switch to the first terminal of the switch, connect the eighth terminal of the switch to the fourth terminal of the switch, connect the ninth terminal of the switch to the fifth terminal of the switch, and connect the tenth terminal of the switch to the sixth terminal of the switch are stored. Electronic devices.
Citation Information
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